NTT Ministry Optimizes Legal Aid for Migrant Workers

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province is strengthening its legal aid posts (Posbankum) to better protect Indonesian migrant workers. This initiative, part of the LONTAR Project, focuses on improving the capabilities of paralegals and village officials.

The goal is to equip these frontline workers to provide education and preventative legal advice. This includes informing potential migrant workers about safe migration procedures, necessary travel documents, the risks of human trafficking, and other dangers associated with working abroad. The ministry emphasizes that Posbankum should serve not only as a source of legal information but also as a hub for education and prevention.

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Through the LONTAR Project Change, we want to optimize the potential of existing Posbankum in villages and sub-villages so that they are not only a place for the community to obtain information and legal assistance, but are also capable of becoming a space for education and prevention of various legal problems, including problems faced by Indonesian Migrant Workers.

Cross-sector collaboration is deemed crucial, with the Ministry working alongside the Kupang Immigration Office and local district offices. Hasran Sapawi, Head of the Legal and Human Rights Division at the NTT Regional Office, highlighted that Posbankum, extending to village and sub-village levels, can offer vital initial information. He stressed that accurate legal and immigration guidance is essential for individuals before they decide to work overseas.

To broaden the reach of legal education, especially among young people and in areas with many prospective migrant workers, the ministry is also promoting the use of digital media. Collaboration with local governments aims to quickly identify community needs and deliver timely legal information and services. The ministry hopes Posbankum will proactively prevent legal problems by educating the public on the risks and safe procedures for working abroad.

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Cross-sector synergy is very important. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights cannot work alone. Posbankum, village and sub-village governments, sub-districts, and related agencies must move together so that the community gets correct legal and immigration information before deciding to work abroad.