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Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) play a crucial role in the nation's economy, as shown by their participation in overseas employment and the remittances they send back. Nevertheless, PMI frequently encounter challenges such as abuse, exploitation, breaches of contracts, and limited access to legal protections. The comprehensive legal structure designed to ensure their inclusive safety before, during, and after their employment is laid out in Law No. 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers. This research aims to analyze the actual practice of legal protections available to PMI, in light of statutory requirements, and to highlight any obstacles encountered in its application. A normative legal research method is used in this study, employing both legislative and theoretical frameworks, and it is informed by relevant academic literature, laws, and judicial rulings. The findings reveal that while Law No. 18 of 2017 outlines thorough protection protocols, its real-world execution faces hurdles such as insufficient oversight, poor cooperation among agencies, and a general lack of legal knowledge among PMI. Consequently, it is essential to enhance institutions, elevate the quality of protective services, and maximize the effectiveness of Indonesian representatives abroad. This study aims to contribute to the development of more equitable and efficient regulations for the safeguarding of migrant workers.

This study discusses legal protection for victims of human trafficking disguised as job vacancies in Myanmar, which has affected hundreds of Indonesian citizens. This phenomenon shows a new mode of digital-based human trafficking through social media, offering fictitious high-paying jobs that ultimately lead to forced labor in the online scamming sector. This study uses a normative legal research method with a legislative and conceptual approach, which examines Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of Human Trafficking, Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, the 2000 Palermo Protocol, and a number of International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions related to forced labor and labor migration. The results of the study show that this case fulfills the elements of human trafficking as stipulated in Article 2 paragraph (1) of the TPPO Law, because there are elements of recruitment, fraud, confinement, and forced labor exploitation. From an international law perspective, these actions violate the provisions of the Palermo Protocol and the ILO convention on the elimination of forced labor. The Indonesian government has a legal and moral responsibility to provide protection and recovery for victims of TPPO, as well as to ensure the principle of non-criminalization. However, the implementation of protection is still hampered by weak supervision of digital recruitment, jurisdictional limitations, and suboptimal cross-border cooperation. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the digital-based migrant protection system, enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and apply the principle of state due diligence in the prevention and enforcement of laws against cross-border TPPO.  

The phenomenon of Indonesian migrant workers reflects a critical nexus between labor migration, international law, and sustainable development. Indonesia is among the world’s largest labor-sending countries, with millions of its citizens employed abroad, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. Remittances from migrant workers provide substantial economic benefits for the state and households, yet these workers often face systemic vulnerabilities including exploitation, discrimination, and inadequate legal protection. This article examines the extent to which international law and Indonesia’s national legal framework safeguard the rights of migrant workers while contributing to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. International instruments such as the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and their Families (ICRMW) and relevant ILO conventions provide comprehensive standards, but their effectiveness is constrained by limited ratification from key receiving states. At the domestic level, Indonesia has enacted Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (UU PPMI), which represents a shift toward state responsibility and alignment with international human rights norms. Nevertheless, implementation challenges ranging from weak enforcement and bureaucratic overlap to insufficient diplomatic support abroad remain significant. The findings suggest that while Indonesia has made normative progress, practical protection is hindered by governance gaps and lack of cooperation from host countries. Strengthening enforcement, regional collaboration, and worker empowerment are crucial to ensuring that Indonesian migrant workers achieve genuine “decent work” as envisioned by SDG 8.

This research is motivated by the social problems of junior high school children in Panggul Village, Trenggalek, whose parents work as female migrant workers. The children show symptoms of lack of socialization, low self-confidence, and minimal emotional support from their mothers. This study aims to analyze the social competence and social responsibility of these children. The approach used is qualitative with a case study method. Informants consisted of 11 people, namely TKW husbands, substitute families, community leaders, and junior high school children. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that junior high school children in Panggul Village who are left by their parents as TKW have the ability to interact with family, friends, and the community, but tend to have less understanding of the social conditions around them due to their indifference and lack of self-confidence. They are closed, have minimal empathy due to lack of role models from parents, and only show concern for peers. In terms of responsibility, these children have awareness of interacting with family, but still lack overall concern.

This research is motivated by the social problems of junior high school children in Panggul Village, Trenggalek, whose parents work as female migrant workers. The children show symptoms of lack of socialization, low self-confidence, and minimal emotional support from their mothers. This study aims to analyze the social competence and social responsibility of these children. The approach used is qualitative with a case study method. Informants consisted of 11 people, namely TKW husbands, substitute families, community leaders, and junior high school children. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that junior high school children in Panggul Village who are left by their parents as TKW have the ability to interact with family, friends, and the community, but tend to have less understanding of the social conditions around them due to their indifference and lack of self-confidence. They are closed, have minimal empathy due to lack of role models from parents, and only show concern for peers. In terms of responsibility, these children have awareness of interacting with family, but still lack overall concern.  

This study compares sex work regulations in Indonesia and Thailand through the lens of human security. Using qualitative comparative literature approach, the research analyzes four core dimensions including health, economy, legal protection, and social inclusion. Findings show that Indonesia still relies on criminalization, which exacerbates vulnerability, restricts access to health services, and reinforces stigma. Conversely, Thailand is undergoing a regulatory transition marked by community engagement, harm reduction practices, and early steps toward decriminalization. However, Thailand’s policy remains incomplete in addressing the rights of migrant and transgender sex workers. The study concludes that while Thailand provides a more inclusive model, both countries require further policy reform distinguishing voluntary sex work from exploitation, strengthening grassroots organizations, and regional policy harmonization under ASEAN human rights framework.

Data communication and computer networking training at TCK Learning Centre Hong Kong is organized to address the need for increased technology literacy among Indonesian migrant workers in the face of digital globalization challenges. This activity is designed in a hybrid format (online and offline) with an approach that integrates theory and practical applications. The goal of this event is to enhance participants' understanding of basic networking concepts, technical skills in configuration and troubleshooting, as well as their analytical abilities in addressing data communication challenges. The implementation method includes material presentation, case studies, interactive discussions, and evaluation through questionnaires. The results of the activity show that the participants' understanding level is very good, with the majority stating that the material presented is easy to understand and of high quality. This activity is also in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), namely quality education and decent work. This training not only empowers participants individually but also strengthens the image of TCK Learning Centre as a strategic partner in the development of a skilled ICT-based workforce.

The phenomenon of Indonesian labor migration abroad is a response to development disparities and limited employment opportunities within the country. The migration of Indonesian workers gives rise to serious vulnerabilities to human trafficking practices. This study aims to analyze the strategic role of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) in safeguarding migrant workers from the threats of exploitation and human trafficking. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and referring to the concepts of human trafficking and human security, this study reveals that BP2MI plays a crucial role in protection during the pre-departure, placement, and post-placement stages. Through administrative policies, training, provision of social security, supervision of recruitment agencies, and cross-sector collaboration, BP2MI strives to strengthen the protection system and prevent illegal migration, which has the potential to become an entry point for human trafficking practices.

The mass deportation of Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) from Malaysia is a multidimensional threat to national security, especially in Indonesia's border areas. In 2022–2023, more than 40,000 migrant workers were forcibly repatriated, mostly through North Kalimantan and Riau. Malaysia's strict immigration policies such as Operation Nyah and the implementation of online recruitment procedures accelerate the deportation process and increase migrant workers' vulnerability to exploitation. This journal examines the impact of these deportations on local socio-economic stability, increased cross-border crime, and institutional weaknesses in the management of migrant worker repatriation and reintegration. Using a policy study approach and analysis of deportation data, the paper highlights the need for integrated and responsive security policies and strengthened bilateral Indonesia–Malaysia coordination. Recommendations focus on institutional capacity building, protection of migrant workers' rights, and a human security approach in dealing with the challenges of forced migration.  

This study aims to analyze the regulations and legal protections for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who enter and exit through the Riau Islands, one of the main transit points for labor migration in Indonesia. Although the Indonesian government has enacted Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, its implementation continues to face numerous challenges, including weak supervision, lack of public education for prospective migrants, and the widespread practice of non-procedural placements through unlicensed brokers and rogue agents. Using a qualitative descriptive method with interviews, literature review, and documentation techniques, this research reveals that inefficiencies in the legal system and poor inter-agency coordination have created legal loopholes that compromise the safety and rights of migrant workers. Additionally, domestic economic hardship drives many individuals to pursue informal migration routes despite the high risks. This study highlights the urgency of strengthening legal protection mechanisms, simplifying legal migration processes, and improving public awareness to reduce illegal departures and enhance the protection of Indonesian migrant workers abroad.

Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) abroad often face various social, legal, and cultural challenges that can increase their vulnerability in everyday life. One effort to minimize these vulnerabilities is through the establishment of regional community organizations as a platform for solidarity, advocacy, and cultural identity preservation. This community service activity aims to assist in the formation of the Ikatan Warga Ponorogo di Hong Kong (IWPH) — an association of PMI from Ponorogo working in Hong Kong. The methods employed include community needs assessment, facilitation of organizational meetings, formulation of organizational statutes and bylaws, and basic community-based advocacy training. The results of this activity showed high enthusiasm among PMI from Ponorogo to participate in this community as a forum for sharing information, social protection, and preserving regional cultural traditions abroad. Moreover, IWPH has begun to actively voice issues faced by PMI, such as overcharging, gender-based violence, and unclear employment contracts. The establishment of IWPH is expected to serve as a model for strengthening social networks and advocacy based on regional community groups, enhancing the bargaining power of Indonesian migrant workers abroad. This activity also reflects the contribution of higher education institutions in supporting the protection and empowerment of Indonesian migrant workers in various destination countries.

This community service activity was carried out to improve the psychosocial capacity of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in Taiwan through online education that focuses on work stress management, adaptability, and achievement motivation. The activity was carried out in collaboration with the GANAS Community Taiwan and was attended by 35 participants who are members of the community. The implementation was carried out online using Zoom Meeting, with three webinar sessions, each discussing one main topic. Evaluation was carried out to measure the increase in participants' understanding of the material presented. The results of the activity showed a fairly good increase in understanding for the topics of stress management, work adaptation, and achievement motivation. Participants also provided positive feedback on the delivery method and the relevance of the material to the situations they experienced. This activity shows that a webinar-based educational approach can be an effective strategy in increasing PMI's knowledge and awareness of the psychosocial issues they face in the country of placement. Follow-up in the form of similar activities periodically is needed to strengthen the impact and reach more migrant worker communities in the future.

This study explores the social and psychological dynamics of the collective expression of the Indonesian youth through the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu on TikTok social media, which reflects their concerns about inequality in access to work and lack of opportunities for self-development. This study uses qualitative methodology and a virtual ethnography approach to analyze data, covering social interactions and meaning construction in virtual communities. Primary data sources involve real-time monitoring using tools such as Brand24, which captures the frequency and sentiment of posts. Secondary data sources are obtained from literature related to labor migration, digital expression, and network society theory. Data collection techniques combine passive online observation and thematic classification, while data analysis is carried out through content analysis to identify dominant discourse patterns and sentiments. Data validity is tested using source triangulation, comparing netnography findings with scientific references and policy documentation. The results show that the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu is not just an expression of jokes, but a symbol of structural alienation and the aspirations of the young generation to seek better life opportunities abroad. The discussion highlights the implications of this social critique for migration policies and the protection of migrant workers. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of adaptive government responses and more inclusive policies to address the aspirations of the younger generation.

This study aims to describe and analyze: positive impacts with negative impacts as a result of Illegal Indonesian Migrant Workers and How Legal Protection in Indonesian Migrant Workers Ilega.  The research is a qualitative descriptive analysis. The data analysis technique uses the technique developed by McNabb (2002), namely Grouping the data according to key constructs, Identifying bases for interpretation, Developing generalizations from the data, Testing Alternative interpretations and Forming and/or refining generalizable theory from case study. The results show that the current migration process, due to its intense dynamics, has a strong social and economic impact. The impact affects almost all sectors of society. In addition, it has an impact on the sending and receiving countries, especially its human resources. Positive and negative impacts of international labor migration on human capital in sending and receiving countries.  Legal protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers has been comprehensively regulated through various laws and regulations, with the aim of providing maximum protection from various aspects. The state ensures protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers in three main stages: before work, during work, and after work. This protection includes administrative, technical, social security, security, as well as complaint assistance and management of work results after returning to Indonesia. The Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) is a non-ministerial body formed based on Law Number 18 of 2017 and Presidential Regulation Number 90 of 2019 to provide integrated services and protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers. BP2MI has various authorities, including the implementation of policies, services, social security supervision, issuance of recruitment permits, document verification, and coordination of protection during employment. BP2MI is also tasked with managing facilities, rehabilitation, reintegration, and social and economic empowerment for Indonesian Migrant Workers and their families. BP2MI collaborates with various stakeholders from the central government to villages to ensure optimal services and protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers.

This study aims to describe and analyze: The Contribution of Migrant Workers in Increasing Money Remittances and Achieving the SDGs.  The research is a qualitative descriptive analysis. The data analysis technique uses the technique developed by McNabb (2002), namely Grouping the data according to key constructs, Identifying bases for interpretation, Developing generalizations from the data, Testing Alternative interpretations and Forming and/or refining generalizable theory from case study. The results of the study show that migrant workers play an important role in the world economy, especially in developed countries as migration destination countries and contribute to the growth of the economy in their home countries, one of which is through remittances sent to their home countries. Indonesia is one of the countries that still sends migrant workers, where remittances from migrant workers are seen as one of the main sources of foreign exchange after petroleum. Migrant workers contribute to reducing the unemployment rate in Indonesia by: Increasing household income. Helping families left behind not work for a while. Increase family access to capital and credit for entrepreneurship. Encouraging a decrease in child employment rates Helping economic development in the region of origin. Encourage political and social change.  The use of remittances for productive activities is expected to increase investment in recipient countries. Remittances encourage improvements made by households in daily consumption, expenditure on education, health, and other expenses, so that it will affect economic growth. Remittances increase household incomes and are therefore a strong anti-poverty force in developing countries.  Not only that, migrant workers who return to their home countries (return migrants) also contribute to the economic and social conditions of their home countries. Remittances can contribute directly and indirectly to several SDGs. Remittances' contribution to the SDGs: SDG 1: Reduce poverty, SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth SDG 10.c: Reduce the cost of migrant remittance transactions.

This study aims to describe and analyze: positive impacts with negative impacts as a result of Illegal Indonesian Migrant Workers and How Legal Protection in Indonesian Migrant Workers Ilega.  The research is a qualitative descriptive analysis. The data analysis technique uses the technique developed by McNabb (2002), namely Grouping the data according to key constructs, Identifying bases for interpretation, Developing generalizations from the data, Testing Alternative interpretations and Forming and/or refining generalizable theory from case study. The results show that the current migration process, due to its intense dynamics, has a strong social and economic impact. The impact affects almost all sectors of society. In addition, it has an impact on the sending and receiving countries, especially its human resources. Positive and negative impacts of international labor migration on human capital in sending and receiving countries. For example, in sending countries, labor migration tends to have a stronger negative impact on human capital, whereas the positive impact of labor circulation cannot be observed.  Legal protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers has been comprehensively regulated through various laws and regulations, with the aim of providing maximum protection from various aspects. The state ensures protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers in three main stages: before work, during work, and after work. This protection includes administrative, technical, social security, security, as well as complaint assistance and management of work results after returning to Indonesia. The Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) is a non-ministerial body formed based on Law Number 18 of 2017 and Presidential Regulation Number 90 of 2019 to provide integrated services and protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers. BP2MI has various authorities, including the implementation of policies, services, social security supervision, issuance of recruitment permits, document verification, and coordination of protection during employment. BP2MI is also tasked with managing facilities, rehabilitation, reintegration, and social and economic empowerment for Indonesian Migrant Workers and their families. BP2MI collaborates with various stakeholders from the central government to villages to ensure optimal services and protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers

This study examines the phenomenon of Indonesian labor migration abroad and its impact on the families left behind. The objective is to analyze the social and psychological aspects experienced by migrant workers’ spouses. The research employs a descriptive case study method with data source triangulation. The findings reveal that migrant couples often neglect social and psychological factors in their decision-making, affecting family relationships. Therefore, effective communication support and government policies are needed to enhance the well-being of migrant workers’ families.

This study aims to describe and analyze: the role of the Surabaya Special Class I Immigration Office to prevent Illegal Indonesian Workers and what are the obstacles and efforts made.  The research method to be used is qualitative descriptive.  Data Collection Techniques include: Interviews, Observations, Documentation. The research informant is the Head of the Suarabaya Special Class I Immigration Office. The data analysis technique using interactive model analysis was developed by Miles et al., (2014), namely data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that the Surabaya Special Class I Immigration Office has a role as a regulator carried out by providing understanding and socialization to the public about the dangers of illegal migrant workers who will not get legal certainty in their placement areas. As a regulator, immigration supervision of Indonesian citizens is carried out when applying for travel documents, either out or into Indonesian territory or being outside Indonesian territory. As a facilitator, providing Travel Documents of the Republic of Indonesia (DPRI) to every citizen who will travel abroad as long as there are no burdensome things. The obstacles faced are Indonesian Prospective Workers who still often forge documents, still often abuse Travel Documents, lack of awareness of Indonesian Prospective Workers in compliance with Immigration documents. Some of the efforts taken include regular Counseling and Education, Pre-Immigration Consultations. Strengthening Cooperation with Recognized and Licensed Official Placement Agents. Strict Monitoring and Supervision of activities related to immigration. Strict Law Enforcement on placement agencies or prospective migrant workers involved in non-procedural practices. Collaborate with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Manpower, the police, and migrant worker protection agencies to exchange information and support comprehensive prevention efforts such as the Indonesian immigration security agency.

The condition of a country experiencing an economic crisis can have a very broad impact on the country, one of which is the lack of domestic employment opportunities, resulting in an increase in the number of unemployed people, which leads to the goverment’s helplessness to overcome poverty. This causes citizens to flock to work abroad. The handling must be balanced with cooperation with several parties, not only the government, and implementers of labor placement but also to prospective workers so that legal problems do not arise between workers and those who provide work. This study aims to analyze efforts to overcome the crime of trafficking in persons for Indonesian migrant workers. This research uses normative juridical and empirical juridical approaches to understand the obstacles and challenges in handling human trafficking cases.

This research is a descriptive qualitative research, data collection techniques using interviews, observations, and documentation. The purpose of the study is to describe the role of the Manpower Office in the prevention of Manpower and to find out what obstacles are experienced by the Manpower Office in the context of preventing Illegal Labor in Sampang Regency. The research informant is the Head of the Office, Head of Placement and Expansion of TKI of the Sampang Regency Manpower and Transmigration Office. Data analysis uses an interactive model. The results of the study show that the Sampang Regency Government Manpower Office has a role as a regulator carried out through the provision of socialization and counseling to the community, providing supervision for normative issues to be handled. The role as a mediator is carried out by collecting data on prospective migrant workers who register themselves. The role as a facilitator is to respond to incoming reports and will later be handled according to existing procedures and regulations. The obstacles of the Manpower and Transmigration Office in the context of preventing Illegal Labor in Sampang Regency consist of Internal Obstacles related to the instability of this system as evidenced by the dual functions of BNP2TKI. Weak coordination between government agencies in charge of managing migrant workers. Weak supervision of PJTKI whose operational permits have expired. External obstacles include background, educational factors, knowledge/experience, condition of prospective kindergartens, low quality of human resources from prospective migrant workers