JURNAL USM LAW REVIEW
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): MARCH

Strengthening the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection System through a Strategic Approach to Migration Policy

Wakhidatul Mubarokah (Semarang State University)
Rodiyah Rodiyah (Semarang State University)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the regulation and implementation of the Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) protection system and evaluate its effectiveness and fairness in addressing vulnerabilities across the migration cycle. This research employs a qualitative socio-legal approach through in-depth interviews with the Director of SARI Solo and former migrant workers in Bojasari Village, supported by analysis of relevant laws and policy documents. The findings indicate that although Law Number 18 of 2017 provides comprehensive protection covering pre-placement, placement, and post-placement stages, its implementation remains constrained by weak preventive protection, limited access to complaint mechanisms, and inadequate social and economic reintegration programs. The study also finds that community-based approaches through the empowerment of migrant workers and their families significantly strengthen legal protection effectiveness by improving legal awareness, social resilience, and access to social protection. Therefore, strengthening the migrant worker protection system requires the integration of national legal frameworks with community-based empowerment mechanisms to ensure more effective, equitable, and sustainable protection.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

julr

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Journal USM LAW REVIEW (JULR) is an academic journal for Legal Studies published by Master of Law, Semarang University. It aims primarily to facilitate scholarly and professional discussions over current developments on legal issues in Indonesia as well as to publish innovative legal researches ...