TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian government and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed the memorandum of understanding on the prevention of trans-national crime, including the human trafficking, during the visit of King Salman to Indonesia.

The agreement was among the 11 MoUs signed at the Bogor Palace by the National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and the Saudi Arabia representative.

Foreign Minister spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said the human trafficking was also included at the prevention of trans-national crime.

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"A lot of Indonesian citizens become the victims [of human trafficking] which has been increasing in the Middle East region," said Arrmanatha in Jakarta, Thursday, March 2, 2017.

The agreement on human trafficking combatting and victim protection was previously done between the Indonesian government and the United Arab Emirate two years ago. Arrmanatha hoped it would continue to other Middle East countries.

Arrmanatha also mentioned that the protection of the Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia would be increased. The communication between the two countries has been better. "The communication between the Foreign Ministry and Saudi Arabia’s law official has been going on better," he said.

Currently, there are around 800,000 Indonesian citizens working in Saudi Arabia, according to Arrmanatha. He admitted that many Indonesians there struggle in legal problems and become criminal victims.

Therefore, at the meeting with the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi has specifically asked for the protection of the Indonesian workers. "We have asked [the Saudi Arabia Kingdom] to help the Indonesian nationals who are in legal matter," said Arrmanatha.

ADITYA BUDIMAN