Gov't offers counseling for traumatized migrant workers in Middle East

hartono · Apr 2, 2026

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin during the release event of one thousand migrant workers in Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday (April 2, 2025). ANTARA/Ni Putu Putri Muliantari

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, has offered counseling for Indonesian migrant workers who have experienced trauma due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We are providing counseling, both online and directly, through the P2MI Ministry, diaspora networks, and our representatives in those countries,” he said here on Thursday.

Speaking during the departure of one thousand Balinese migrant workers to Bulgaria, he explained that although no Indonesian migrant workers have been physically affected by the US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East, some have experienced psychological trauma.

“Our migrant workers in the Middle East have not been physically affected so far, but trauma, possibly from seeing missiles pass by or hearing explosions,” he said.

Those affected are mostly working in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait, while no Indonesian migrant workers are placed in conflict zones.

“Iran is not a placement country for migrant workers. If there are Indonesians there, they are likely there independently,” Mukhtarudin said.

He ensured that no formal-sector Indonesian migrant workers are deployed in Iran, but there are a few Indonesians there.

The ministry said it continues to ensure the safety of migrant workers through active communication with Indonesian representatives in the region.

Around 100 thousand Indonesian migrant workers in the Middle East have not requested repatriation, indicating that their conditions remain safe.

If they are affected by the conflict, Mukhtarudin assured that the government would take action to assist with evacuation.

“We receive updates from our embassies such as the one in Dubai regarding the conditions there, and we will inform any developments to their families in Indonesia,” he said.

The government allows Indonesians to work in the Middle East, but only in the formal sector under legal entities, while the placement of domestic workers is temporarily suspended.