Jakarta - A surge in undocumented Indonesian migrant workers has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, who say the trend reflects deeper weaknesses in the country’s labor placement and protection system.
Felly Estelita Runtuwene, chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission IX overseeing labor affairs, stressed that the government remains obligated to protect all migrant workers regardless of their legal status.
“When it comes to protection, the state must be present — whether they are documented or undocumented — once problems arise,” she said on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at the Parliament Building in Jakarta.
Felly argued that the growing number of workers leaving through informal channels points to structural issues in how overseas employment is managed.
“If non-state actors can step in to assist them, then where is the state? What exactly is driving so many workers to leave through illegal routes?” she said.
She urged the government to accelerate the expansion of official placement pathways, describing it as a key step to curb irregular migration.
Felly also highlighted gaps in bilateral labor arrangements with several major destination countries, including Canada, the Netherlands and the United States, where placements are still largely handled through private mechanisms.
Such conditions, she said, can weaken oversight and leave migrant workers more vulnerable.
“Undocumented workers are more likely to receive substandard wages and are often denied basic labor rights compared to those who migrate through official channels,” she added.
