Indonesia repatriates 73 deported migrant workers from Malaysia

hartono · Aug 18, 2025

Dumai Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Center (P4MI) collecting data on Indonesian migrant workers deported from Malaysia. ANTARA/Abdul Razak

Dumai, Riau (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government, through the Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP3MI) of Riau Province, has repatriated 73 Indonesian nationals who had been working in Malaysia without proper procedures. They were brought by sea and arrived at Dumai Port, Dumai City.

Coordinator of the Dumai Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Development Center (P4MI), Humisar SV Siregar, stated that the deportees consisted of 58 men and 15 women. They traveled aboard the Indomal Regal ship from Malacca and arrived in Dumai on Saturday (August 16).

"We have received another group of deported Indonesian migrant workers, totaling 73 people, at Dumai Port. They are currently accommodated at the Dumai P4MI office," Siregar said in Dumai, Riau, on Monday.

Of the group, 47 came from East Java and nine from Aceh, while the rest were from North Sumatra, South Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, Central Kalimantan, Riau Islands, and Lampung provinces.

Siregar noted that the port’s quarantine agency had conducted health screenings, confirming the workers were in good and stable condition, and prepared to return to their hometowns.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the authority had collected their data and offered them facilities to return home.

"Our work reflects the government’s commitment to protecting Indonesian migrant workers, including those who face problems abroad after working beyond legal procedures," he emphasized.

From January to August this year, BP3MI Riau has facilitated the return of 1,494 deported Indonesian migrant workers. In addition to repatriation, the agency is responsible for data collection, providing guidance, and ensuring safe return to their hometowns.