Indonesia is known as one of the countries that send a lot of migrant workers to other countries. According to data from the Ministry of Manpower, in 2020 the number of Indonesian migrant workers reached 7.6 million people, with the majority of them working in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. The government has made efforts to provide protection and welfare for these migrant workers, but there are still many challenges and problems that need to be addressed. This article will discuss the issue of “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri” or protection for migrant workers abroad.
What is “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”?
“Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri” refers to the efforts and policies made by the government to protect the rights and welfare of Indonesian migrant workers who are working abroad. This includes various aspects such as pre-departure training, legal protection, health services, social security, and repatriation.
The Importance of “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”
The importance of “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri” cannot be underestimated. Migrant workers face various risks and challenges, such as exploitation, abuse, human trafficking, and labor rights violations. Many of them are not aware of their rights and have limited access to legal and social services. Without proper protection and support, they are vulnerable to various forms of violence and exploitation.
Moreover, the well-being of migrant workers is closely related to the national economy. Migrant workers contribute significantly to the country’s foreign exchange and remittances. Therefore, their welfare and protection are not only a matter of humanitarian concern but also an economic and political imperative.
The Challenges of “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”
Despite the efforts made by the government and various stakeholders, “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri” still faces many challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of coordination and integration among the relevant agencies and institutions. There are many overlapping roles and responsibilities, which often lead to inefficiency and confusion.
Another challenge is the limited capacity and resources of the government and non-governmental organizations. The demand for protection services is high, but the supply is limited. Many migrant workers are still not able to access the services they need, such as legal aid, health care, and repatriation.
The Efforts of the Government
The government has made various efforts to improve “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”. One of the main initiatives is the pre-departure training program. This program aims to provide migrant workers with knowledge and skills related to their job, rights, and responsibilities. They also learn about the culture and laws of the host country.
The government also provides legal protection through various channels, such as embassies and consulates, legal aid institutions, and international agreements. In addition, there are health services and social security programs that are available for migrant workers.
Recently, the government has also launched the Indonesia Migrant Workers’ Card (Kartu Pra Kerja Migran Indonesia) program. This card provides various benefits such as access to training, job information, and financial services. It also serves as a form of identification and a means of communication between the migrant workers and the government.
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also play an important role in “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”. They provide various services such as legal aid, health care, and shelter for migrant workers who are in distress. They also advocate for the rights of migrant workers and push for policy changes that can improve their conditions.
One of the well-known NGOs that works on this issue is Migrant CARE. This organization was founded in 2004 and has been actively advocating for the rights of migrant workers. They provide various services such as counseling, legal aid, and emergency response. They also conduct research and campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue.
The Impact of COVID-19 on “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various challenges and risks for migrant workers. Many of them lost their jobs or had their salaries reduced. Some of them were stranded in their host countries and could not return to Indonesia. The pandemic also highlighted the vulnerabilities and gaps in “Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri”.
However, the pandemic also brought some positive changes and innovations. The government and NGOs have adapted to the new situation and developed new approaches such as online counseling and virtual training. The pandemic also raised public awareness about the importance of protecting migrant workers.
Conclusion
“Perlindungan TKI Diluar Negeri” is a complex and challenging issue that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and continuous efforts. The government, NGOs, and other actors need to work together to address the various risks and challenges faced by migrant workers. It is also important to continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the existing policies and programs and to adapt to the changing circumstances and needs of the migrant workers.
