The Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri, has reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who face unfair treatment abroad.

Megawati is even willing to personally intervene to provide protection for migrant workers. One example is the case of migrant workers in Russia that she handled directly to provide protection for Indonesian citizens.

This was conveyed during a workshop titled Critical Study: Regulations, Services and Diplomacy for Domestic Workers and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, held in a hybrid format at the Party School in Lenteng Agung.

“Regarding the frequent problems faced by Indonesian Migrant Workers, Mrs. Mega directly intervenes. The most recent example is in Russia, where Mrs. Mega directly contacted the Russian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia regarding the repatriation of Indonesian citizens,” the statement said.

Megawati continues to strengthen her commitment to protecting migrant workers by establishing the Labor and Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Division within the Party structure for the 2025-2030 period.

Additionally, the former President also emphasized that the mechanism for repatriating migrant workers must be carried out quickly. Protection for migrant workers facing problems should not be delayed during the repatriation process.

“Mrs. Megawati emphasized that if there are problems, the repatriation process should not be delayed,” the statement added.

The message that Megawati consistently conveys to all PDI-P cadres throughout Indonesia and overseas leadership councils is to continue implementing Pancasila ideology as a guide in protecting Indonesian Migrant Workers.

“Implement Pancasila ideology as well as possible in protecting Indonesian workers. Because according to Pancasila ideology, our Constitution has stated and regulated that every citizen has equal rights before the law and government,” the message stated.

Direction of Labor Policy Transformation
A representative from the Ministry of Manpower outlined several main challenges in domestic labor.

These include unemployment and education-industry mismatch; dominance of the informal sector and weak social security; and the absence of specific legislation for domestic workers since the Domestic Workers Bill has not been ratified, resulting in weakened protection.

Furthermore, the impact of automation and digitalization in the world of work has reduced labor needs. “Labor public services and complaint mechanisms are not yet optimal, and service systems are not integrated for the informal sector,” the representative stated.

The representative also revealed the direction of national labor policy transformation. One of them is regulatory reform and protection for domestic workers, ranging from regulation preparation, expansion of social security, and labor public services.

“Improving the quality, skills, and dignity of domestic workers,” the representative explained.

In addressing domestic worker challenges, the representative said that strategies and collaboration that must be carried out by both government and society include cross-sector coordination and regional government coordination; participation of domestic worker organizations and NGOs; data integration and service digitalization; and of course, improving the functional capacity of employment facilitators, supervisors, and mediators.

Essentially, in solving domestic worker problems, transforming national labor policies is a step toward social justice.

“The Ministry of Manpower is committed to providing decent work, ensuring social protection, and improving the dignity and welfare of domestic workers,” the representative stated.

A human rights commissioner stated that every person has the right freely and without discrimination to obtain work that respects fundamental rights and human dignity.

As well as providing adequate income for themselves and their families, and ensuring security, physical and mental health, and safety.

“Including collective rights to associate, negotiate, and promote social protection,” the commissioner elaborated.

The Head of PDI-P’s Labor and Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Division revealed several recommendations that her party could implement in providing protection for Indonesian workers, both domestic and migrant.

She stated that PDI-P needs to affirm its ideological position and present itself as a pro-worker party, as well as prepare an integrated Indonesian Labor and Migrant Protection Case Management System based on the party’s structure by forming party wings.

“Strengthening the capacity of party cadres and volunteers as companions and paralegals for the case management system, and performing integrative functions collaboratively across multiple stakeholders for advocacy,

Party School

The Party School, formally known as the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China, is the primary institution for training high and mid-level officials. It was established in 1933 during the revolutionary period to indoctrinate cadres in Marxist theory and the Party’s policies. Its main function is to ensure ideological unity and to prepare officials for leadership roles in governance.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is a major nationalist and secular political party in Indonesia. It was founded in 1973 through the state-enforced merger of several nationalist and Christian parties but rose to prominence under the leadership of Megawati Sukarnoputri, who later became Indonesia’s president. The party, symbolized by the bull, is known for its populist platform and its role in the pro-democracy movement that led to the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998.

Pancasila ideology

Pancasila is the foundational philosophical theory and official ideological basis of the Indonesian state. It was first formulated by Sukarno in 1945 as the five guiding principles for an independent Indonesia, intended to unify the nation’s diverse population. These five principles are: Belief in one God, a just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy guided by wisdom, and social justice for all.

Labor and Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Division

The Labor and Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Division is a specialized government body in Indonesia responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of Indonesian migrant workers abroad. It was established to address systemic issues faced by overseas workers, evolving from earlier labor protection frameworks into a more focused entity. The division handles legal protection, pre-departure training, and assistance for workers facing exploitation or contractual disputes in foreign countries.

Ministry of Manpower

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is a government body in Singapore responsible for developing the nation’s workforce and ensuring fair employment practices. It was established in 1998, consolidating various labour-related functions to create a more coordinated approach to manpower policies. Its key focus areas include employment rights, workplace safety, and fostering a competitive workforce for Singapore’s economy.

Domestic Workers Bill

The Domestic Workers Bill refers to proposed or enacted legislation aimed at establishing labor rights and protections for domestic workers, such as nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers. Historically, these workers were excluded from many labor laws, but advocacy efforts led to bills like New York’s 2010 Domestic Workers’ Rights Law, which set standards for fair pay, rest, and protection from discrimination. Such legislation represents a significant step toward recognizing the value and dignity of domestic labor.

Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI)

“Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI)” refers to Indonesian citizens who work abroad, a significant phenomenon that began in a structured way in the 1970s. They have played a crucial role in the national economy by sending remittances home, often working in sectors like domestic service, construction, and agriculture. Their history is also marked by challenges, including issues of worker protection and rights, which the Indonesian government continues to address through bilateral agreements and policy reforms.

PDI-P

PDI-P (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan) is an Indonesian political party founded in 1999, evolving from the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). It is a secular nationalist party historically associated with the political legacy of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, and has been led by his daughter, Megawati Sukarnoputri. The party has been a major political force in Indonesia, leading the government from 2001-2004 and frequently winning the most seats in legislative elections.