The Directorate General of Immigration has inaugurated a dedicated lounge for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, establishing a free facility to recognize the workers’ substantial contributions to the national economy.
- Indonesian migrant workers contributed approximately Rp430-433 trillion in foreign exchange throughout 2025.
- The government aims to increase the placement of migrant workers by at least 25 percent in 2026.
- Roughly 300 potential migrant workers were prevented from illegal departures in the first quarter of 2026.
Recognizing the Indonesian Migrant Workers Lounge
The facility, located at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, was officially opened on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko stated that the lounge serves as tangible evidence of the country’s commitment to workers who act as “foreign exchange heroes.”
While airport lounges are traditionally paid services for the middle and upper classes, this facility provides free access, drinks, and snacks to migrant workers. The lounge also showcases products created by inmates under the Directorate General of Corrections as part of a synergy between the two directorates.
Marantoko noted that migrant workers are among the largest contributors to the national economy, trailing only the oil and gas sector. He expressed hope that these workers would also serve as ambassadors for Indonesian MSMEs while working abroad.
Economic Impact and Worker Demographics
The economic contribution of migrant workers reached approximately Rp430 trillion in 2025. To build on this momentum, the government has set a goal to increase worker placements by 25 percent over the previous year.
Police Commissioner Budi Novijanto, Chief of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Office in Banten, noted that workers predominantly originate from Banten, East Java, West Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.
Primary destinations for these workers include Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and various European countries.
Combating Illegal Departures
Alongside the new service facilities, the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Office in Banten continues to monitor and prevent non-procedural departures.
During the first quarter of 2026, authorities prevented approximately 300 individuals from attempting illegal departures, primarily targeting destinations in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Middle East.
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