Implementation of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia in 2022-2023

Abstract

Malaysia has long been a primary destination for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI); however, they frequently encounter issues such as violence and discrimination in the workplace. In response, the Indonesian government introduced a policy for the protection of PMI in Malaysia in 2022, aiming to enhance their welfare and security through a bilateral cooperation framework. This study employs Merilee S. Grindle’s Policy Implementation Theory as an analytical framework to evaluate the effectiveness of this policy’s implementation between 2022 and 2023. Using a qualitative research approach based on a literature review, this study identifies several challenges in the implementation of the policy. The findings indicate that the policy has not been optimally enforced due to violations by the Malaysian government, particularly concerning the continued use of the unregulated Sistem Maid Online (SMO) recruitment system, which contradicts the bilateral agreement. Consequently, cases of labor rights violations persist. Additionally, limitations in financial and institutional resources, weak law enforcement, and diverging political interests between Indonesia and Malaysia further hinder the effectiveness of this policy. Although the policy introduced progressive measures such as the One Channel System (OCS), minimum wage regulations, and the prohibition of document confiscation, its implementation remains inconsistent. Therefore, strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing monitoring mechanisms, and enforcing stricter regulations are imperative to ensuring the effective protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia.