Semarang, April 21, 2025, The Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro (HI FISIP Undip), conducted an official visit to the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Center (BP3MI) Central Java on Monday, April 21, 2025. This visit aimed to explore strategic collaboration in the fields of education, research, and the protection of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), particularly in Central Java.

During the meeting, BP3MI welcomed the initiative to collaborate with HI Undip through the Mobilizing Action for Rights of Nautical Workers (MARINA) project. Several collaborative agendas were discussed, including joint guest lectures, internship opportunities for International Relations students, as well as research and joint book publications on migration and migrant worker protection.

In addition to strategic cooperation, the meeting also highlighted several critical issues related to the placement and protection of Indonesian migrant workers, including:

• Improvement and Regulation of PMI Placement – the need for better data recording, especially for migrant seafarers (ABK) and independent workers who are still largely employed through non-procedural channels.
• Protection of Prospective Migrant Workers – the importance of education and public awareness to prevent illegal placement practices, including collaboration with academics and NGOs.
• Placement of Skilled Migrant Workers – BP3MI has partnered with more than 10 universities in the health sector to prepare skilled workers. Students participating in community service programs (KKN) are also expected to assist in raising awareness.
• Technical Preparation of Prospective Migrant Workers – covering language training, health briefings, and administrative readiness.
• Monitoring and Integrated Services – through Public Service Malls (MPP) and supervision of P3MI and LPKS.
• Modern Slavery Issues & Regulatory Dualism – the need to address cases of exploitation, especially involving seafarers, due to regulatory dualism between the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Hubla) and BP3MI.
• Insurance Systems and Work Contracts – challenges remain in terms of insurance transparency, wage deductions, and unfair contract agreements.
• Placement Data and Conflicts of Interest – Central Java, as the only province handling sea-based migrant worker placements, faces challenges in documenting non-procedural seafarers.
• Presidential Regulation and Non-Procedural Issues – non-procedural placement remains prevalent, especially on vessels in China, as well as cases of independent seafarers in Argentina with unpaid wages.
• Innovative Program: Desa Migran Emas (Golden Migrant Village) – strengthening education and protection at the village level through pilot projects in several areas of Central Java.

Through this initiative, it is expected that collaboration between HI Undip and BP3MI Central Java will make a meaningful contribution to advancing academic research while strengthening the protection of Indonesian migrant workers. This partnership also underscores the role of higher education institutions in supporting more humane, fair, and sustainable migrant worker protection policies.