TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Manpower Protection for Migrant Workers, Mukhtarudin, stated that there have been no requests for evacuation from migrant workers in conflict areas in the Middle East. According to him, the conditions in several areas bordering Iran, which conflict with Israel and the United States, are still relatively safe.
"The (migrant workers') situation is safe. There have been no requests for evacuation either," said Mukhtarudin at the People's Consultative Assembly complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Manpower, there are still 20,000 migrant workers in the Middle East. Approximately 4,000 workers are stationed along the borders of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. Additionally, 16,000 people are positioned along the borders of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Mukhtarudin is considering the possibility of imposing a moratorium on sending Indonesian workers to conflict areas. The government is currently considering this decision as a precaution against escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
"We are preparing alternative policies regarding temporary suspension or prohibition of placement in countries facing conflicts," said the Golkar Party politician.
According to him, the Directorate of Manpower Placement and Protection has formed a crisis monitoring team that coordinates with government representatives in conflict areas, especially those in Iran or bordering Iran. Every day, they report on the situation in the Middle East, such as Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and others.
Mukhtarudin explained that the Ministry of Manpower has implemented mitigation measures by identifying and mapping areas to determine which regions are at risk of conflict when placing workers. To ease tensions or "cool down," areas deemed highly prone to conflict will be avoided.
Regarding the suspension of sending workers, he admitted that the decision will be further discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the House of Representatives Commission IX, who are the Ministry of Manpower's working partners.
"If the situation requires it, we will implement alternative policies, of course, after consulting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the gentlemen and ladies in Commission IX," he said.
Furthermore, he stated that the government is also preparing repatriation services and facilities for Indonesian migrant workers if tensions in the Middle East escalate again. The government also claims to provide psychological support services for workers who feel their mental health is impacted by the conflict. The counseling services can be accessed online.
"Physically, they have not been affected, but they have experienced trauma and psychological impact from hearing bombs and missiles in their areas," he said.
Read: Indonesia Mulls Moratorium on Worker Placement in Conflict Regions
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