In November 2017, the government enacted Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PPMI). Unlike previous laws on migrant workers, which were more focused on the business aspects of placement, the PPMI Act emphasizes efforts to protect the interests of prospective Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) and/or PMI and their families, including ensuring the fulfillment of PMI rights in all activities before, during, and after work in legal, economic, and social aspects.
Although there are several strengths, the PPMI Law still has weaknesses. The authority to issue the Permit for the Recruitment of Indonesian Migrant Workers (SIP2MI) remains unclear—whether it is issued by the Ministry of Manpower or by a non-ministerial government agency tasked with implementing policies regarding services and protection for Indonesian migrant workers. Furthermore, the provisions governing the oversight of migrant worker protection and the regulations regarding the stages of labor migration still need to be clarified.
The Migrant Workers Network (JBM), an organization dedicated to the protection and fulfillment of migrant workers’ rights, believes that the public needs a deeper understanding of the law’s strengths and weaknesses. They argue that the fate of migrant workers lies not only in their own hands but also in those of the government and the citizens as a nation.
To achieve this, JBM, together with its 28 member organizations and with the support of the Tifa Foundation, compiled and published the “Guidebook to Understanding the Law on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers: Strengths and Weaknesses of the PPMI Law.” In addition to highlighting the shortcomings of the PPMI Law, the guidebook also includes a number of recommendations for improving migration governance in the future.
“We hope this handbook will assist and guide all parties concerned with the protection of migrant workers, so that migrant workers are aware of their rights, including the protection services mandated by the Migrant Workers Protection Act. Furthermore, by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Migrant Workers Protection Act, all segments of society can work together to ensure compliance with the implementing regulations of the Act,” explained Savitri Wisnuwardhani, Coordinator oftheNationalSecretariat of the Migrant Workers Network.
Read and download the “Guide to Understanding the Law on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers: Strengths and Weaknesses of the PPMI Law” below.