No: 27/203/DKom
Bank Indonesia continues to support the empowerment of migrant workers as significant contributors to the national economy. Remittances not only support the welfare and prosperity of families back home but also strengthen international reserves and support the stability of Indonesia's Balance of Payments (BOP). Such contributions would be considerably more optimal if migrant workers had a broader understanding of financial products and services. Financial literacy and protection, therefore, are key to empowering migrant workers, ensuring they are protected and able to utilise financial services safely, thereby expanding financial inclusion in Indonesia. That was the key takeaway of Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor, Filianingsih Hendarta, at an event entitled 'Strengthening Consumer Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers', which coincided with the launch of a New Era of People's Business Loans (KUR) for Migrant Workers, attended by more than 2,000 prospective migrant workers and placement companies (P3MI) in Jakarta (28/08/25).
Echoing those sentiments, the Minister of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, reaffirmed the Government's strong commitment to protecting Indonesian migrant workers (PMI), allowing them to work safely and comfortably. One form of protection afforded to Indonesian migrant workers is the collaboration between the P2MI Ministry and Bank Indonesia to include financial literacy in the training and briefing of prospective migrant workers. In addition, the Government cooperates with the banking industry to disburse KUR PMI loans based on a simple scheme and comparatively low interest rates to help prospective migrant workers pay training costs, prepare for departure and meet living costs prior to receiving wages in the placement country.
During these educational activities, participants were briefed on the PeKA principles of transacting (Awareness, Recognition, Reporting). Awareness of the benefits, risks, as well as the rights and responsibilities as consumers. Recognition of fraudulent practices and the importance of protecting personal data security. Reporting any issues or incidences of fraud through official complaint channels. “We urge all migrant workers and their families to continue improving financial literacy to ensure remittances are not only used for consumption to support daily living expenses but also as a source of sustainable prosperity," was the message from Deputy Filianingsih to the Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in attendance.
In synergy with the P2MI Ministry, Bank Indonesia is committed to increasing consumer protection in the payment system in terms of placement services for migrant workers, as contained in the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) signed at the event. Collaboration is also at the forefront of the Migrant Worker Information Network website (JariPMI.Info), as an information portal serving the needs of Indonesian migrant workers, featuring profiles of destination countries, administrative and document requirements, local cultures, Indonesian communities, safe and secure remittance services, as well as financial education and consumer protection. Through the JariPMI website, Indonesian migrant workers can also submit complaints concerning the payment system, which is connected directly to the Bank Indonesia Complaints web portal.
Facilitating daily transactions abroad, Bank Indonesia and the Indonesia Payment System Association (ASPI) have introduced QRIS Cross-Border as a simple, affordable, secure and inclusive digital payment solution. QRIS Cross-Border is already available in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan, and will be expanded to other major placement countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates. As of July 2025, QRIS implementation abroad has been very successful. Since launch in August 2022, the volume of QRIS Cross-Border transactions in Thailand has reached 971,640, with a transaction value of Rp416.4 billion. Meanwhile, QRIS Cross-Border use in Malaysia has totalled 690,525 transactions worth Rp232.9 billion since launch in May 2023 and QRIS Cross-Border use in Singapore has reached 135,258 transactions with a value of Rp43.1 billion since launch on 17th November 2023.
Jakarta, 29th August 2025
Communication Department
Junanto Herdiawan
Executive Director
