MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Muhammadiyah Council for Community Empowerment (MPM) met with Indonesia’s Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI) to strengthen collaboration on empowering Indonesian migrant workers. The meeting, held on Monday, March 10, at the KP2MI office in Jakarta, focused on improving protection and support for workers before, during, and after their employment abroad.
Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Abdul Kadir Karding expressed appreciation for Muhammadiyah commitment to this issue.
“We welcome Muhammadiyah’s involvement. They have made significant progress, particularly in building a support system for migrant workers. This aligns with our goal of improving the overall system for Indonesian workers abroad,” said Karding.
Karding highlighted a major challenge that most Indonesian migrant workers still leave through unofficial channels.
“Around 90% of our workers go abroad through brokers, often with little understanding of legal procedures. At KP2MI, we focus on raising awareness, economic empowerment, social and religious support, and legal advocacy, both in preventing and resolving legal issues,” explained Karding.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the MPM M. Nurul Yamin emphasized that Muhammadiyah has made migrant worker empowerment a priority, even establishing a dedicated division for this purpose. The movement also launched Saranmu (Sahabat Migran Berkemajuan), a program designed to provide direct assistance to workers.
“Our approach covers every stage: before departure, while working abroad, and after they return. To build a strong support system, we need collaboration with various stakeholders, including the government,” stated Yamin.
Yamin added that Muhammadiyah efforts go beyond skills training and language courses. The movement also focuses on the well-being of migrant workers’ families and communities.
“It’s not just about preparing workers with skills and mental readiness. We also ensure that their families and home communities provide a supportive environment when they return,” said Yamin.
In Addition, Chairperson of Saranmu and Head of MPM Labor Division Cahya Maulana highlighted ongoing partnerships with Muhammadiyah Special Branches (PCIMs) in several countries to facilitate empowerment programs for workers abroad.
“We are also developing Desa Migran Berdaya (Empowered Migrant Villages), which have already started in several regions across Indonesia. This initiative gives workers access to training, information, and support to help them succeed while working overseas,” said Cahya.
Furthermore, the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between Muhammadiyah and KP2MI in creating more effective solutions for migrant worker empowerment. By addressing social, economic, and legal aspects, both organizations hope to build a sustainable support system for Indonesians working abroad and those returning home.
