Jakarta – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) on Thursday, 4 June.

The PPE will be distributed to returning Indonesian migrant workers as part of COVID-19 precautionary protocols. Since January 2020, at least 142.263 Indonesian migrant workers have returned to the country according to government data.

The Ministry of Social Affairs Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation provides for the quarantine of migrant workers upon re-entry to Indonesia from abroad.

In response to the pandemic, MOSA has redesigned existing shelter facility as temporary shelter to quarantine Indonesian migrant workers.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Deputy of Chief of Mission of IOM Indonesia, Mr. Dejan Micevski, said, “Indonesian migrant workers are performing essential and meaningful jobs all over the world, and the support they provide their families and communities back in Indonesia must be celebrated. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic shock in many countries has pulled many Indonesian workers home to Indonesia. IOM is working to support MOSA, and other government partners, to firstly ensure the health and safety of migrant workers, and secondly to generate productive opportunities for migrants to reintegrate.”

The PPE donated by IOM, which included face masks, hand sanitizers and other supplies, was received by the Director of Social Rehabilitation, Social Disabilities & Victims of Trafficking, Drs. Waskito Budi Kusumo, M.Si.

“As an impact of the lockdown regulation in Malaysia, the repatriation flow of Indonesian victims of trafficking and irregular migrant workers particularly from Malaysia in this pandemic continues to increase. The Ministry of Social Affairs views the importance of synergy in responding to this problem, especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, we greatly appreciate assistance from IOM. We hope that this long-established collaboration can continue to respond to the problems related to trafficking in persons and vulnerable groups, especially Indonesian migrant workers,” said the Director of Social Rehabilitation, Social Disabilities, and Victims of Trafficking.

With the PPE, shelter staff will be able to work safely when providing services, and migrants will be at lesser risk until they return home to their hometown safely.

While in shelters, migrant workers are also informed about how to share COVID-19 safety and prevention measures with their family members.

This donation is part of a wider package of IOM support to the National COVID-19 Task Force which has included essential medical supplies, equipment, and ventilators.

For more information please contact Among Pundhi Resi, National Programme Coordinator of Counter-Trafficking and Labour Migration Unit of IOM Indonesia, Email: aresi@iom.int

About IOM

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) - UN Migration - is the leading inter-governmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by advancing the understanding of migration issues, assisting governments in meeting the challenges of migration, encouraging social and economic development through migration, and upholding the dignity and well-being of migrants, their families and their communities. Follow on social media at @iomindonesia