In 2012, almost 700,000 labour migrants left Indonesia for work abroad, the majority going to Malaysia and countries in the Middle East. In addition, it is believed that several hundred thousand left Indonesia without following proper procedures and are now working in an irregular manner in other countries, mainly in Malaysia. Given the high risks of irregular migration, greater efforts are being made to prevent irregular migration and conversely promote safe and legal migration.

As per data indicated in the Central Bank, the amount of remittances grows year by year. In 2012 the Central Bank recorded as much as USD 6.8 billion while the number increases in 2013 reaching USD 7.4 billion. According to Central Bank, the data shows that remittances sent through irregular channels has declined, taking into account more and more Indonesian workers are financially literate and has been in touch formal financial institution. As to the use of remittances, the family members of Indonesian workers tend to use remittances to fulfill the basic needs such as food, children education and health. On the other hand, remittances are also utilized for investment such as house, land, small business as well as purchasing the electronic goods and motorcycles.

To enhance the anticipation of irregularities in labour migration placement, the government of Indonesia has ratified the UN Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Their Families in 2012, and has been approved through its national law of Law No. 6/2012. This will oblige the government to include the human rights protection approach towards migrant workers and their families into the Labour Migration Law which is currently in amendment process in the parliament.

Law No. 39 Year 2004 on Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers

Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration: The Ministry has the function of issuing regulation on labour migration as well as through its Directorate of Employment Observation has function to monitor the quality of the training centers for overseas workers owned by private recruitment agencies. National Board for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers (BNP2TKI): The agency has mandate of the operation and implementation of the placement of Indonesian overseas workers (specifically G-to-G scheme) and protection of all overseas workers.

Act of the Republic of Indonesia concerning placement and protection of overseas workers