The Master of Laws Program (Magister Ilmu Hukum/MIH) of UGM Jakarta Campus organized a legal education program titled “Optimizing the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers through Legal Education and Understanding of Departure Procedures” on Saturday (26 April 2026). The activity was attended online by 151 participants consisting of Indonesian migrant workers from various destination countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Taiwan, Macau, and several other countries. Representatives from migrant worker organizations across multiple provinces, relevant government institutions, and members of the public concerned with migrant worker protection issues also participated in the event. The high level of participation reflected the significant need to strengthen legal literacy among Indonesian migrant workers.
The program was officially opened by the Head of MIH UGM Jakarta Campus, Dina W. Kariodimedjo, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D., who emphasized that the protection of migrant workers must begin from the earliest stages of departure preparation through adequate legal education. According to her, higher education institutions hold a strategic role in providing educational spaces that respond to public needs, enabling migrant workers to depart safely, with dignity, and under proper legal protection.
In the first session, Judha Nugraha, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Arab Emirates, explained the importance of improving the governance system for migrant worker placement beginning from within Indonesia itself. Based on data from the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, many Indonesian citizens remain officially unregistered and are only identified once they encounter legal or labor-related problems abroad. This condition demonstrates the urgent need for a comprehensive protection system covering the stages before departure, during employment, and upon return to Indonesia.
Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M. (HR), Ph.D., highlighted the importance of criminal law instruments in prosecuting parties that exploit migrant workers. She explained that prospective migrant workers often become victims due to poverty, low levels of education, limited employment opportunities, and insufficient digital literacy, all of which are frequently exploited by illegal recruiters.
Meanwhile, Nabiyla Risfa Izzati, S.H., LL.M. (Adv)., Ph.D., emphasized that the protection of migrant workers constitutes a state responsibility in guaranteeing the fundamental rights of citizens. She stressed the importance of understanding employment contracts, wage transparency, and the prohibition against withholding personal documents as essential components of legal protection.
Dr. Intan Nurkumalawati further explained the role of immigration authorities as the front line in preventing non-procedural departures through document verification, interviews, and inter-agency coordination. Data-based supervision was identified as a key mechanism for preventing human trafficking crimes, which often originate from the misuse of travel documents.
This legal education initiative is closely aligned with the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1: No Poverty, through efforts to ensure migrant workers gain access to safe and decent employment opportunities that contribute to family welfare. In addition, the program supports Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as legal protection and proper departure procedures help reduce the risks of violence, exploitation, and the physical and psychological pressures often experienced by migrant workers. The protection of female migrant workers who are vulnerable to discrimination and violence also aligns with Goal 5: Gender Equality. Furthermore, the initiative contributes to Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through the protection of migrant labor rights; Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring access to justice for vulnerable groups; Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through strengthened law enforcement against human trafficking and exploitation; and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among universities, government institutions, and civil society organizations in strengthening the protection of Indonesian migrant workers.
Author: Ramzy Oansa Ilham (Master of Laws Program, Jakarta Campus)
