April 30, 2026 | 03:33 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Immigration has officially inaugurated a special lounge for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. This facility has been provided as a form of appreciation for the significant contribution of migrant workers to the country.
"Throughout 2025, PMI have contributed approximately Rp430-433 trillion in foreign exchange," said the Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, during the inauguration of the PMI Lounge at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Hendarsam stated that this foreign exchange contribution makes migrant workers one of the largest contributors after the oil and gas sector. He referred to this figure as an achievement that demonstrates the strategic role of migrant workers in the national economy. "This number is very significant and deserves our appreciation. They work not only for their families but also for the country and the nation," said Hendarsam.
He added that the PMI Lounge is tangible evidence of the country's commitment to migrant workers. Historically, lounge facilities have been associated with paid services catering to the middle to upper class. However, now migrant workers have free access as a form of respect. "This is our dedication to the foreign exchange heroes. The country and immigration must provide the best service," said Hendarsam.
In addition to the resting area, the lounge provides free drinks and snacks. The facility also showcases products created by inmates under the care of the Directorate General of Corrections. This is part of the synergy between the Directorate General of Immigration and the Directorate General of Corrections under one ministry.
"We also hope that PMI will become ambassadors for Indonesian MSMEs abroad, bringing pride to domestic products," said Hendarsam.
Chief of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Office in Banten, Police Commissioner Budi Novijanto, explained that this facility will greatly assist in serving workers returning from abroad.
"This lounge makes it easier for us to provide services to arriving migrant workers. This is not taking over a role, but rather strengthening synergy," he said.
He also revealed that foreign exchange from migrant workers reached approximately Rp430 trillion in 2025 alone. The government's goal for 2026 is to increase the placement of migrant workers by at least 25 percent compared to the previous year.
According to Budi, Indonesian migrant workers are predominantly from East Java, West Java, Central Java, East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and Banten, with main destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and several European countries.
On the other hand, the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Office in Banten is also actively prevents illegal departures. In the first quarter of 2026, around 300 potential migrant workers were prevented from non-procedural departures, primarily to the Middle East, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
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