New 'PROTECT' initiative to strengthen rights of women migrant workers in Indonesia

Led by Ida Fauziyah, Indonesian Minister of Manpower, the launch of the PROTECT project takes place at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta.

Today marks the commencement of the 'PROTECT' initiative, a collaborative effort between the European Union (EU), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aimed at bolstering the rights and protections of women migrant workers, children, and vulnerable groups in Indonesia.

Led by Ida Fauziyah, Indonesian Minister of Manpower, the launch of the PROTECT project takes place at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta. The initiative seeks to promote decent work and reduce vulnerabilities among at-risk populations by ensuring labor rights, preventing and responding to violence against women and children, as well as combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

In 2023, over 270,000 Indonesians migrated abroad, with a significant portion being women (61 percent). These women predominantly seek employment in domestic work, care work, agriculture, plantation, and manufacturing industries in countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia. However, a considerable number migrate through irregular channels, especially those destined for Malaysia.

Indonesian migrants, particularly those engaged in low-wage occupations, encounter various challenges, including labor exploitation, discriminatory practices, human trafficking, violence, harassment, and limited access to essential services. Women migrant workers often find themselves in informal sectors with short-term employment opportunities and minimal social protection measures. Additionally, children accompanying migrant workers are at high risk of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and inadequate access to child protection services.

Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah expressed strong support for the PROTECT initiative, emphasizing Indonesia's commitment to enhancing national capacities and mechanisms for policy implementation and service provision to protect migrant workers and their families. Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the joint commitment to safeguarding the rights of Indonesian women and children through sustainable migration policies.

Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, emphasized the importance of gender-responsive migration governance policies aligned with international labor standards to ensure protection and access to decent work for migrants. Erik van der Veen, Head of UNODC Indonesia, underscored the critical role of victim protection in breaking the cycle of exploitation and abuse, reaffirming UNODC's commitment to upholding victims' rights.

The PROTECT project, running until December 2026, builds upon the outcomes and insights gained from previous EU-funded initiatives, such as 'Safe and Fair: Realizing Women Migrant Workers' Rights and Opportunities in the ASEAN Region' and 'Protecting Children Affected by Migration in Southeast, South, and Central Asia,' demonstrating a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by migrant workers and children in the region.