Indonesian migrant workers need stronger insurance protection, minister urges

Indonesia is seeking to bolster insurance protection for its migrant workers, with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, A. Muhaimin Iskandar, leading the charge. He is urging for a more robust and comprehensive insurance system, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the national social security agency, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, and private insurance firms, both domestically and internationally.

"The insurance for these workers must be ensured as a need that must be met as soon as possible," Iskandar stated during the inauguration of the Malang Migrant Center in East Java. He believes that BPJS Ketenagakerjaan should enhance its partnerships with professional insurance companies to cover aspects not optimally addressed by the current schemes. This collaboration is crucial for providing migrant workers with complete protection that aligns with the specific risks and requirements they face while working abroad.

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The insurance for these workers must be ensured as a need that must be met as soon as possible.

Iskandar highlighted that while BPJS Ketenagakerjaan provides social insurance, integrating professional insurance coverage is vital. He mentioned discussions during a recent trip to Japan to expedite these collaborations. "Please follow up immediately with various insurance collaborations so that they all receive appropriate protection," he urged.

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If the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan insurance system is social insurance, then how can we collaborate comprehensively so that professional worker protection is accommodated?

The minister stressed that insurance protection is a fundamental need for migrant workers. The existing system must guarantee that all rights and risks are covered, both before departure and during their employment overseas. Strengthening government-to-government (G2G) cooperation with destination countries like Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore is also essential, as these nations offer significant employment opportunities for Indonesians.

As the mobility of Indonesian workers increases, Iskandar emphasized that the government must ensure adequate protection beyond just facilitating departure and placement. The Malang Migrant Center is envisioned as a key platform for coordinating these efforts, involving central and regional governments, training institutions, universities, businesses, community organizations, and the migrant workers themselves. Ensuring prospective migrant workers receive clear information about their rights and insurance schemes before leaving is also a priority.

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Please follow up immediately with various insurance collaborations so that they all receive appropriate protection.