TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Menko PMK) expects a substantial wave of Indonesian Migrant Workers (TKI) returning home ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, said based on data from the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI), 15,429 Indonesian workers are expected to return home.

“We will strengthen our coordination, even down to the regional governments, in order to anticipate the arrival of the Indonesians (workers),” he said in a written statement, received by Tempo, on Thursday, April 30, 2020.

In addition, Muhajdir has also drawn attention to the provision of a Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) of the COVID-19 health protocol, in handling the homecoming of Indonesians through all modes of transportation.

On top of that, the minister noted that quarantine zones also need to be prepared not only on Galang Island, but at every point of entry as well to welcome and screen all returning Indonesian migrant workers.

“Ships from the National Military (TNI) are ready to transport them to designated ports. However, the regional governments would then need to be responsible in escorting them to their village of origins,” he added.

EGI ADYATAMA | Translator: DIO SUHENDA (Intern)