Over 3,500 undocumented Indonesians deported from Malaysia in H1 2025, says KJRI Johor Bahru
The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru (KJRI JB) is urging citizens seeking jobs abroad—particularly in Malaysia—to follow legal and procedural channels to safeguard their rights and avoid deportation.
3,585 Indonesians Deported in First Half of 2025
The KJRI Johor Bahru reported that 3,585 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) were deported from Malaysia during the first half of 2025 for immigration violations. According to Erry Kenanga, KJRI JB’s Social and Cultural Affairs Officer, many of these individuals had entered Malaysia without proper documentation, making them vulnerable to legal risks and the lack of basic employment protections.
A significant portion of the deportees—1,129 individuals—were repatriated under Program M, a joint initiative between Malaysia’s Immigration Department and Indonesian representatives to return 7,200 undocumented citizens between 2025 and 2026.
Legal Pathways Offer Training and Insurance
Erry emphasized that citizens can legally migrate for work through agencies like BP3MI or their local labor departments. Legal pathways provide structured training in skills, language, and cultural adaptation, preparing workers for overseas employment.
Additionally, procedural deployment ensures access to labor insurance through providers such as BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, which covers workplace incidents and health risks. “Workers who migrate legally are guaranteed safety and benefits,” Erry said during a statement issued on July 30, 2025.
Ongoing Efforts to Track Undocumented Workers
Despite official records indicating around 130,000 Indonesians reside in Malaysia—based on overseas voter lists, passport applications, and school data—KJRI JB suspects the actual number is much higher due to underreporting. Many Indonesians working in Malaysia, even those who arrived legally, have failed to register with the consulate.
KJRI JB is actively working to track and document non-procedural workers in a bid to extend support, particularly for those who may require consular assistance in the event of legal issues or emergencies.
Weekly Repatriations Continue via Dumai
Deportation and repatriation efforts are ongoing. “This week alone, 90 workers are being returned to Indonesia via Dumai, Riau,” Erry confirmed. Repatriations under Program M are conducted in phases and include both government-facilitated and voluntary returns by the workers themselves.
These actions are part of a broader commitment by the Indonesian government to manage labor migration safely and responsibly, ensuring that citizens do not fall victim to exploitation or criminal charges overseas.
Shared Responsibility Between Citizens and State
Erry urged all prospective migrant workers to take accountability for their own legal status before departing. While the government is providing safer alternatives and resources, successful labor migration also requires cooperation from the workers themselves.
The call for legal employment pathways also reflects Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Malaysia by minimizing immigration conflicts and promoting ethical labor practices abroad.
The situation in Johor Bahru is a sharp reminder of the risks Indonesian workers face when migrating illegally. With thousands deported and more undocumented citizens still unaccounted for, the push for procedural, well-protected migration is crucial. The joint effort between KJRI JB and Malaysian authorities demonstrates a strong step forward in improving migrant welfare and protecting human dignity across the region. For Southeast Asia—especially Indonesia and Singapore—this issue underscores the urgent need for informed, responsible, and well-regulated cross-border labor policies.
Sources: Warta Pontianak (2025) , Antara News (2025)
Keywords: KJRI Johor Bahru, Indonesian Migrant Workers, Legal Employment Malaysia, Program M Deportation, Worker Rights Protection, BP3MI
