Migrant Workers and the Protection Gap: The Human Rights of Indonesian Labor Abroad

Abstract

This paper examines the human rights challenges faced by Indonesian migrant workers abroad, focusing on the protection gap and the legal and social barriers that leave them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Indonesian migrant workers, particularly those employed in domestic work, agriculture, and construction in the Middle East, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia, often face severe violations of their rights, including physical abuse, non-payment of wages, and lack of access to justice. This research evaluates Indonesia’s legal and diplomatic frameworks for protecting migrant workers, including bilateral labor agreements and consular support, and assesses their effectiveness in safeguarding workers’ rights. Through case studies of high-profile abuses and interviews with migrant workers, the paper identifies key gaps in legal protections, such as inadequate labor contracts, the lack of legal recourse in host countries, and the vulnerabilities associated with undocumented migration. The paper also explores the role of NGOs, international organizations, and grassroots movements in advocating for better protections for migrant workers. The study concludes with recommendations for legal reforms and enhanced international cooperation to ensure the human rights of Indonesian labor migrants are upheld abroad.