The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its implementing partner, Semut Nusantara, piloted several initiatives to empower returning migrant workers in Wonosobo Regency, a key migrant-sending region in Indonesia. These initiatives, which have been started since January 2024, focused primarily on the economic empowerment and health assessment of returning workers and their families.

The first initiative, Desa Migran Sejahtera or “Prosperous Migrant Village” aimed to empower migrant communities by establishing village-owned enterprises in three villages: Plobangan, Lipursari, and Gunturmadu. Plobangan and Lipursari  empowered their communities and enhanced their villages’ potential through tourism. Plobangan focused on cultural tourism centered around the tomb of Ki Ageng Wonosobo, the founder of Wonosobo Regency, while Lipursari developed edutourism where visitors can learn how to make batik, fishing, and farming. To support these initiatives, IOM engaged local tourism stakeholders, including hotels, travel agencies, and other civil society organisations. A series of village tours to both villages was held on 28-29 May, introducing these potential attractions to the tourism actors.   

In another village, Gunturmadu, efforts were focused on exploring agricultural potential and producing instant seasoning powder made from dried chives for Tempe Kemul, a traditional fried fermented soybean dish.

The second initiative focused on a stunting prevention program in three villages: Rogojati, Kwadugan, and Sindupaten village. The Government of Indonesia allocated funds for a national stunting prevention and eradication program through village funds.  IOM supported this effort by enhancing the capacity of village authorities, community health workers, women’s associations, and human development cadres. In addition, IOM conducted several socialization sessions on the preventing child marriage for teenage girls and offered free hemoglobin tests in collaboration with local public health services (Puskesmas).

“Many people are unaware of the link between migration and stunting. Through this initiative, we aimed to improve government planning for stunting prevention while also enhancing community livelihoods, ensuring that migration remains a viable option, not a necessity,” said Diah Zahara, IOM’s National Programme Officer.

Supported by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF), these two initiatives have directly empowered 237 returning migrant workers and their families across six villages. This initiative underscores IOM’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration, which seeks to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration.