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9 - Indonesia

Protecting Migrant Workers at Home and Abroad

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2024

By
Ann Marie Murphy  and
Amy Freedman
Edited by
Klaus Brummer  and
Šumit Ganguly
Klaus Brummer
Affiliation:
Katholische Universiteit Eichstätt, Germany
Šumit Ganguly
Affiliation:
Hoover Institution, Stanford University, California
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Summary

Indonesia has long been the country of origin for millions of migrant workers. Indonesian men and women have left their homes in search of work to provide a better life for themselves and their families. Most migrant workers are in semi-skilled or unskilled positions in fields such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and domestic work, which are mostly low-wage and difficult jobs. There are large numbers of Indonesians in Asia, such as in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and in wealthy countries in the Persian Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Migrant workers leave Indonesia both through official, legal channels, as well as through illegal, unofficial channels. These workers are often referred to as “irregular” migrants. Migrants are often treated poorly and are found in dangerous, undesirable jobs. The Indonesian government is increasingly compelled to try and address abuses of their citizens. The Indonesian government is highly attuned to the treatment of its citizens abroad and has embarked on many measures to try and improve their safety overseas. Ultimately, the government has seen some successes at protecting compatriots, but continues to face significant challenges in doing so for a larger number of their workers overseas.

Keywords

Indonesialabor migrationMalaysiamigrant workersoverseas IndonesiansPersian GulfSingapore
Type
Chapter
Information
States and their Nationals Abroad
Support, Co-Opt, Repress
 , pp. 204 - 229
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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