The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with Anti-Trafficking Task Force, conducted a two-day (24-25 July) Training on Sustainable Reintegration for Service Providers, in Jakarta This training aimed to increase the capacity of service providers in implementing reintegration programs that prioritize beneficiary participation, gender-sensitive, and tailored assessment based on needs, and while ensuring sustainability. This training was attended by 28 representatives, (11 females and 17 males), from government and non-government service providers at the national and provincial levels.

IOM Indonesia's Programme Manager, Sebastien Reclaru, explained, “Sustainable reintegration is a multidimensional process involving economic, social, and psychosocial dimensions at the individual, community, and structural levels. To achieve this, collaborative action with government, non-government, communities, and the beneficiaries is needed,”.

During the training, participants received training across four modules, including integrated approach to reintegration, reintegration at the individual level, reintegration at the community level, and monitoring and evaluation for reintegration programmes. Participants exchanged best practices for implementing reintegration in their respective areas and participated in an exercise to design sustainable reintegration programs. In line with the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Act, the training was organized to support the government’s effort to assist returnees and ensure the provision of sustainable reintegration.

This training was facilitated by IOM’s Project Manager, Among Resi, who mentioned during her opening remarks: "To ensure sustainable reintegration, it is important to have support at the structural level where relevant policies on migration governance are in place and good coordination and cooperation among stakeholders. Reintegration programs should prioritize the protection of the returnees.” 

A representative, from SBMI, Ernawan, who also facilitated the training highlighted the economic impact of SBMI Mart, a cooperative established as a part of reintegration programmes that was supported by IOM. "Some reintegration programmes have succeeded but many have failed too due to lack of monitoring and evaluation, limited knowledge about financial management, absence of business control mechanism, and limited system support. Establishing SBMI Mart in the form of   community cooperatives managed and dedicated by ex-migrant workers can empower Indonesian migrant workers economically".

Meanwhile, the representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ajeng K. Tadjuddin, shared available services for reintegration. “This reintegration service can be accessed through the ATENSI (Assistance for Social Rehabilitation) mechanism, which is available in all Social Affairs Offices throughout Indonesia,” Ajeng explained.

A representative of BP2MI highlighted two main obstacles in the empowerment programme. “The number of empowerment programmes is relatively low compared to the number of   returned migrant workers. This mainly because of budget constraints and limited assistance after empowerment training. The synergy between ministries and institutions is the key to follow-up impacts”, said Florensia Agustina Tobing from BP2MI.

Upon completing this training, participants are expected to have better knowledge and capacity in designing and implementing sustainable reintegration of the returning migrant workers and victims of trafficking in persons. IOM remains committed to promoting humane and orderly migration while supporting national efforts to strengthen the protection of migrant workers and victims of trafficking. This training is supported by the European Union through the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia project.