Jasin U. Dilo Urges the Government to Expand Access and Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers from the Regions

07 July 2026 oleh admin

Gorontalo, dpd.go.id - H. Jasin U. Dilo, a member of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) for Gorontalo Province, urged the government to strengthen affirmative action policies for prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) from the region. He conveyed this during a Public Hearing (RDP) with the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) at the DPD RI Building in Jakarta on Monday (6/6/2026).

During the meeting, Jasin highlighted the still low absorption of migrant workers from Gorontalo, despite the region's significant workforce potential. He stated that limited access to information, training, and financing are the main factors preventing people from taking advantage of official employment opportunities abroad.

"The workforce in Gorontalo has reached 100,000, but official migrant worker absorption is less than 40 people per year. There are barriers to access to information and capital that must be addressed," Jasin stressed.

He believes the government needs to introduce policies that are more favorable to local communities, starting from providing free training quotas, expanding access to financing, to simplifying the placement process so that people are not tempted to use non-procedural channels.

According to Jasin, Indonesian workers are highly competitive and highly sought after in various destination countries due to their work ethic and discipline. However, this situation has not been fully supported by a placement system that provides protection and facilities for prospective migrant workers.

He also highlighted the still-significant cost burden that prospective migrant workers must bear before departure. Many workers have to take salary cuts early in their employment to cover placement costs.

"Regional communities need a more accessible and equitable financing scheme. The state must be present to ensure prospective migrant workers can travel through official channels without being burdened with high costs," he said.

Furthermore, Jasin encouraged improvements in the quality of vocational training and foreign language skills tailored to the needs of destination countries. He believed this would increase the competitiveness of Indonesian migrant workers and open up broader job opportunities.

He also asked the government to strengthen oversight of illegal placement practices and ensure that legal protection, workers' rights, and the welfare of migrant workers' families are optimally met.

Jasin emphasized that Indonesian migrant workers are a national asset that contributes significantly to the national economy. Therefore, the state needs to ensure that every citizen working abroad receives equal opportunities, protection, and services, regardless of their region of origin.