Indonesia Shows Commitment to ASEAN Migrant Workers’ Protection during Crises
Indonesia continued to improve protection for migrant workers and their families amid challenges and crises in the ASEAN region, through measures such as emergency response readiness, cross-sectoral coordination, and support and reintegration for returned migrant workers.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli delivered the statement at the 29th ASEAN Labor Ministers Meeting (ALMM) in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday (8/26).
“Our priority is to ensure the framework that we have established can provide real protection once the crisis occurs,” said Yassierli.
According to him, such emergencies, including public health problems, natural disasters, conflicts, and other incidents, demonstrated the need to prepare for the protection of migrant workers. The established framework should be implemented promptly and effectively so that migrant workers are not at risk.
Indonesia encouraged ASEAN members to strengthen the implementation of the protection system starting from the day of a crisis. The commitment of the 2026- 2030 ASEAN Labor Ministers Work Program and the agenda of the ASEAN Migrant Workers Committee should be achieved through mechanisms, including clear coordination, consular cooperation, and timely exchange of information.
“ASEAN shall act early, promptly, and collectively once migrant workers are at risk,” he stated.
In addition to emergency response, Indonesia continued to improve cross-sectoral coordination. Crisis management is believed to have strong links with other sectors, including foreign affairs, immigration, natural disaster mitigation, public health, social welfare, security, and humanitarian aid.
Therefore, cooperation must be strengthened with related ASEAN sectoral agencies, including the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management, ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments, and others. These measures were expected to achieve a more integrated response before, during, and after the emergency.
Indonesia also highlighted the importance of migrant workers’ protection continuing once they returned to their home countries and lived self-sufficiently. The returned workers from conflict areas may face difficulties, including financial problems.
In Indonesia, the Geopolitical Crisis Monitoring Task Force has duties to respond to these emergencies promptly, including evacuation and repatriation once the situation escalates. Indonesia also maintains cooperation with the International Labor Organization to develop a strategic framework to maintain its migrant workers’ job continuity.
“Therefore, ASEAN cooperation is necessary to include emergency protection, safe return, recovery, rehabilitation, and sustainable reintegration,” said Yassierli. (PR of Ministry of Manpower/DND-Ministry of State Secretariat) (RD/AW)
