KJRI Johor Bahru coordinates with Malaysia to repatriate thousands of Indonesians
The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Johor Bahru has facilitated the repatriation of 4,156 Indonesian citizens and migrant workers (PMI) from Malaysia between January and August 2025. This large-scale effort underscores Indonesia’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Thousands Repatriated in 2025
According to Jati H. Winarto, Coordinator of the Service and Protection Task Force at KJRI Johor Bahru, 4,156 Indonesians were repatriated from Malaysia during the January–August 2025 period. Of this total, 1,128 returned under Program M, a collaboration between Malaysia’s Immigration Department (JIM) in Putrajaya and Indonesian representatives.
Latest Repatriation in September
On Thursday, September 4, KJRI facilitated the return of 50 Indonesians. This group included 49 deportees from the Immigration Detention Depot (DTI) in Pekan Nenas, Johor, and one female migrant worker from the KJRI’s temporary shelter. Among them were 18 men, 29 women, and two children. The repatriation was carried out via Stulang Laut International Ferry Terminal in Johor, with the group arriving at Batam Centre Port.
Grounds for Deportation
Many of the migrant workers were deported for violating Malaysia’s immigration laws, including overstaying, lacking valid documentation, or entering the country without proper permits. KJRI Johor emphasized the importance of legal documentation and safe migration practices to prevent future cases.
Reception and Assistance in Batam
Upon arrival in Batam, deportees were welcomed by officials from P4MI Batam, Immigration, Port Health authorities, and partner institutions. They were temporarily accommodated at P4MI facilities before returning to their home provinces. The coordinated response illustrates Indonesia’s multi-agency commitment to reintegrating repatriated workers.
Ongoing Public Education Efforts
KJRI Johor has been actively engaging in public education, including live talk shows on RRI Batam and social media outreach. The goal is to raise awareness among Indonesians about safe, legal, and dignified migration while discouraging reliance on informal or illegal channels.
Strengthening Cross-Border Diplomacy
Jati stressed that these repatriations are not the end of the issue but the beginning of systemic improvements in migration management. The initiative involves cooperation between Malaysian authorities, Indonesia’s BP2MI, P4MI, and health and port agencies. This diplomacy underscores that the protection of Indonesian citizens is not just a legal duty but also a humanitarian commitment.
The mass repatriation of Indonesian migrant workers from Johor highlights both the vulnerabilities faced by Indonesians abroad and the proactive steps taken by KJRI Johor Bahru. For communities in Indonesia and Singapore, this reflects the urgent need for safe migration practices and stronger cross-border cooperation to ensure migrant workers’ dignity and security.
Sources: ANTARA News (2025) , Terasbatam (2025)
Keywords: Indonesian Migrant Workers, KJRI Johor Bahru, PMI Deportation, Batam Center, Malaysia Immigration, Repatriation Program
