Indonesia is known for its large number of overseas workers or Tenaga Kerja Indonesia (TKI). There are many reasons why Indonesians choose to work abroad, such as better wages, job opportunities, or to support their families. However, working abroad also comes with risks and challenges, such as exploitation, abuse, or human trafficking. That’s why there are organizations in Indonesia that are dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of TKI. In this article, we will discuss the lembaga yang melindungi TKI, or the organizations that protect TKI.
What is a TKI?
Before we dive into the organizations that protect TKI, it’s important to understand what a TKI is. TKI is a term used to refer to Indonesian citizens who work overseas, either legally or illegally. These workers can be employed in various sectors, such as domestic work, construction, manufacturing, or agriculture. According to data from the National Agency for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers (BNP2TKI), there are currently around 10 million TKI spread across more than 150 countries.
The Importance of Protecting TKI
Working overseas can be a life-changing opportunity for many Indonesians, but it can also be a nightmare if they are not protected. Many TKI face various forms of abuse and exploitation, such as underpayment, overwork, physical or sexual abuse, or forced labor. Some even become victims of human trafficking, where they are lured with false promises and then sold into slavery. These abuses not only violate the human rights of TKI but also damage Indonesia’s reputation as a country that sends workers abroad. Therefore, it is crucial to have organizations that can protect and empower TKI.
The Lembaga Yang Melindungi TKI
There are several organizations in Indonesia that are dedicated to protecting TKI. These organizations are known as the Lembaga yang Melindungi TKI or LMK-TKI. They are responsible for providing various services to TKI, such as pre-departure training, legal assistance, repatriation, and rehabilitation for victims of abuse. Here are some of the most prominent LMK-TKI in Indonesia:
1. BNP2TKI
BNP2TKI or the National Agency for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers is a government agency that oversees the placement, protection, and empowerment of TKI. BNP2TKI is responsible for issuing licenses to overseas employment agencies, conducting pre-departure training, providing legal assistance to TKI, and coordinating with foreign governments on matters related to TKI. BNP2TKI also operates the Indonesian Overseas Workers Protection Fund (BP2MI), which provides financial assistance to TKI in distress.
2. Migrant Care
Migrant Care is a non-governmental organization that advocates for the rights of migrant workers, including TKI. Migrant Care provides various services to TKI, such as legal assistance, advocacy, and empowerment. Migrant Care also conducts research and advocacy on issues related to migrant workers and works with other organizations to promote the rights of migrant workers at the national and international levels.
3. SBMI
SBMI or Serikat Buruh Migran Indonesia is a trade union that represents the rights and interests of Indonesian migrant workers. SBMI provides various services to its members, such as legal assistance, advocacy, and education. SBMI also works with other trade unions and organizations to promote the rights of migrant workers and to push for policy reforms that benefit migrant workers.
4. JALA PRT
JALA PRT or Jaringan Advokasi dan Layanan Pekerja Rumah Tangga is a network of organizations that advocates for the rights of domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers. JALA PRT provides various services to domestic workers, such as legal assistance, education, and advocacy. JALA PRT also works with other organizations to promote the rights of domestic workers and to push for policy reforms that benefit domestic workers.
The Role of LMK-TKI
The Lembaga Yang Melindungi TKI plays a crucial role in protecting the rights and welfare of TKI. These organizations provide various services and assistance to TKI, from pre-departure training to repatriation and rehabilitation. The role of LMK-TKI is not only to respond to cases of abuse and exploitation but also to prevent them from happening in the first place. By providing education, advocacy, and empowerment, LMK-TKI can help TKI to be more aware of their rights and to demand better treatment from their employers and the government.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lembaga Yang Melindungi TKI is a crucial part of Indonesia’s efforts to protect the rights and welfare of its overseas workers. These organizations provide various services and assistance to TKI, from pre-departure training to repatriation and rehabilitation. By empowering TKI and advocating for their rights, LMK-TKI can help to prevent abuse and exploitation of TKI and to promote fair treatment of migrant workers around the world.
