The head of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) Benny Rhamdani has announced that the government will delay changes to the policy to eliminate the placement fees for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) until July 15, and said that he would be ready to resign if he failed to implement the policy, Saturday (16/05/2020). 1/2021).
In a press conference that was held virtually from Jakarta on Friday (15/1), Benny said that BP2MI Regulation Number 09 of 2020 regarding the Exemption of PMI Placement Fees would come into effect on January 15, 2021, after having passed a six-month transition period since it was signed. Last August 25, 2020, and now extending the transition period from the implementation of the PMI placement fee waiver rule for another six months.
“However, seeing the readiness of local governments and prospective employers in the placement destination countries, we have decided to extend the transition period for the next six months until July 15, 2021,” said Benny as quoted by Antara.
Benny explained that during the first transition period, BP2MI had taken various preparation steps for implementation, such as holding meetings with the Minister of Manpower, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Home Affairs. In addition, socialization has also been carried out with Indonesian representatives in placement countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. BP2MI has also compiled guidelines for implementing the fee waiver which involves various parties, both government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Bilateral meetings have also been held with representatives from countries and regions where the workers are placed together with agency and employer associations as well as the PMI community. The mechanism for the placement service process through SISKO-P2MI has also been adjusted and an indication of the nominal placement fee per destination country has been prepared, to help prospective employers know the estimated cost.
Benny explained, seeing the facts on the ground, it was felt that the local government was not ready to carry out education and job training for PMI candidates and the lack of a budget provided, it was decided to extend the implementation transition period for six months. He also emphasized that in the next six months, various steps will be taken to enforce the regulation, such as conducting socialization with the local government of the CPMI’s enclave and dialogue with the regional authorities and the country of destination.
If he cannot implement it even after the second transition period, Benny said he is ready to resign from his position as Head of BP2MI as a form of accountability.
“If in the end this bandage cannot work with various facts on the ground until July 15, 2021, then I am ready to take a stand to resign from my position as Head of BP2MI. Because every leader must have the courage to take over the responsibility in whatever form it takes, even if the mistake is not made by him, “said Benny.
