129 migrant workers, including children, deported from Malaysia to Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (BP3MI) facilitated the return of 129 migrant workers deported from Malaysia for overstaying or working illegally. The group, including two children, arrived in Batam on January 9, marking the first repatriation of 2025.
The deportation of 129 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) highlights ongoing efforts to regulate undocumented labor migration between Malaysia and Indonesia. The operation, carried out on January 9, 2025, involved cooperation between the Indonesian Consulate in Johor Bahru and the BP3MI in Batam.
The group, comprising 80 men, 47 women, and two children born in Malaysia, arrived at Batam Center International Port at 2 p.m. They were transported to BP3MI shelters for data collection before being returned to their hometowns.
According to BP3MI Kepulauan Riau Chief, Kombes Pol. Imam Riadi, most workers were deported due to overstaying or working without proper permits. Some cases involved alleged trafficking or illegal placements, which are under further investigation.
Deported workers undergo identification and documentation at BP3MI shelters. The agency assists those unable to afford transportation, while families may pick up others after verification of their relationship.
The repatriation is the first of 2025, following last year’s return of 3,077 migrant workers from Kepulauan Riau alone. Approximately 600 more Indonesians in Malaysia await deportation, with 150 scheduled for repatriation via Tanjungpinang mid-year.
Read More: Batam’s Illegal Parking Issue Targeted: 26 Operators Detained in Raids
Most deportees hailed from Java and eastern Indonesia, with jobs ranging from plantation work to domestic services in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The majority expressed satisfaction with the repatriation process.
The streamlined repatriation process underscores Indonesia’s commitment to addressing labor migration challenges while enhancing regional cooperation. The initiative aims to provide better protections for workers while reducing unauthorized labor practices.
Sources: Lendoot, Detik (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia Repatriates Workers, Migrant Workers Malaysia, Batam Transit Hub
