Muhammadiyah Steps Up Efforts to Protect Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia

EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALAYSIA – Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, particularly those without legal status, continue to face serious challenges. Authorities and organizations also struggle to contain the problem.

In response, Muhammadiyah’s Central Board, through its International Relations and Cooperation Department (LHKI), is strengthening the capacity of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) in Malaysia to advocate for and protect Indonesian migrant workers.

The initiative was launched through a seminar on strengthening PCIM Malaysia’s capacity to advocate for and protect Indonesian migrant workers. The event was held at Rumah Hamka Malaysia in Gombak on Saturday (Aug. 8).

LHKI representatives who served as speakers and panelists included Yayah Khisbiyah, Wachid Ridwan, Indonesian Ambassador Bunyan Saptomo, and Agung Rachmat Hidayat. Subhan Setowara and Puti Hasanatu Syadiah also attended the event.

The discussion centered on three key factors that shape the position of migrant workers: legal status, skills and community.

Legal Status Remains a Key Challenge

The deputy head of mission at the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia said there is no definitive figure for the total number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia.

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However, official records show that about 546,000 Indonesian migrant workers are legally registered in the country.

He therefore urged Indonesians arriving in Malaysia to report their presence to the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur or the Indonesian Consulate General. Doing so would allow officials to verify where they live and work. Registration also serves an important protective function. It enables the embassy and consulates to respond more quickly when Indonesian citizens encounter problems.

Yet, he said, many Indonesians in Malaysia only contact diplomatic officials after they have already encountered difficulties.

The situation highlights the importance of early registration. Maintaining contact with Indonesian diplomatic missions can help migrant workers access assistance before a problem escalates.