Beyond the Moratorium: Protecting Indonesian Workers in Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama argue that the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia must serve as more than just a symbolic gesture.
Indonesia and Saudi Arabia stand at a pivotal moment in their labor relations, as both nations navigate the complexities of reopening migrant worker placements while ensuring adequate protections and fair treatment for Indonesian workers. After nearly a decade-long moratorium on sending Indonesian migrant workers to the Gulf nation, the Indonesian government has decided to lift the ban. This decision has sparked both hope and concern. While it promises economic opportunities, it also revives old fears about labor rights violations and inadequate protections for Indonesian workers. Both Indonesia and Saudi Arabia must now take significant steps to ensure that this reopening does not lead to the same cycle of exploitation and abuse that initially led to the moratorium.
The Indonesian government imposed the moratorium in 2015 due to numerous cases of exploitation, unpaid wages, abuse, and even deaths among Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia. In one high-profile case, an Indonesian domestic worker in Riyadh endured months of unpaid labor and physical violence before being rescued by authorities. Another case involved an Indonesian worker who faced severe mistreatment and was denied medical treatment, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. These instances highlight the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability measures to ensure the safety of PMIs. The lack of legal protection and weak enforcement mechanisms left many workers vulnerable.
Even during the moratorium, at least 25,000 Indonesians per year continued to migrate illegally to Saudi Arabia, reflecting both the high demand for Indonesian domestic workers and the limited alternatives for legal migration. With the lifting of the moratorium, Indonesia expects to send around 600,000 workers to Saudi Arabia—400,000 in domestic work and 200,000 in formal sectors. This is a significant increase, and without proper safeguards, it could lead to a sharp rise in labor rights violations. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, Indonesian migrant worker agencies received over 186 complaints of abuse and exploitation in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that major risks still exist.
Indonesia bears the responsibility of ensuring its citizens are not sent into exploitative working conditions. The government must implement strict regulations regarding recruitment, placement, and monitoring of Indonesian. The role of Indonesian Migrant Workers Placement Company (P3MI) should be closely supervised to prevent fraudulent practices, and only reputable agencies should be allowed to facilitate worker placement. A blacklist must be created for those with a history of worker abuse.
In addition, pre-departure training and education should be significantly improved. Many migrant workers are unprepared for the cultural and legal differences they will face in Saudi Arabia. Comprehensive training must cover labor rights, legal protections, and conflict resolution strategies. Language training should also be mandatory to ensure that Indonesian workers can communicate effectively in Arabic.
Legal protections and access to justice must be guaranteed. Indonesia must push for Saudi Arabia to ratify the Vienna Convention, which guarantees fair legal treatment for foreign nationals. An agreement must be made to ensure that Indonesian workers have equal legal standing in disputes with employers. The Indonesian government should establish a dedicated legal assistance fund to support workers facing legal challenges in Saudi courts. At the same time, a transparent complaint mechanism must be created. A 24/7 hotline and online platform should be available for Indonesian workers to report abuse and seek assistance. The Indonesian embassy and consulate must increase personnel dedicated to handling labor disputes and urgent worker concerns.
Saudi Arabia has a responsibility to ensure that its labor market does not exploit foreign workers. The Saudi government must enforce legal protections for migrant workers by ensuring that Indonesian workers receive the benefits they have been promised, including health insurance, life insurance, and job security measures. Employers should be required to register Indonesian workers under Saudi Arabia’s new labor protection system, ensuring wages are paid on time and in full. The controversial Kafala system, which ties a worker’s legal status to their employer, has led to many abuses, including wage theft and forced labor. Saudi Arabia must commit to real reforms, allowing Indonesian workers to change employers without restrictions and ensuring their freedom of movement.
Transparency in recruitment and placement must also be increased. Saudi Arabia must work with Indonesia to prevent illegal recruitment practices and ensure that all workers arrive through legal channels. A digital system should be implemented to track Indonesian workers from recruitment to employment, reducing opportunities for exploitation. Fair wages and working conditions must also be guaranteed. Under the new agreement, Indonesian workers will receive a minimum wage of 1,500 riyals (approximately Rp6.5 million). The Saudi government must ensure that this standard is upheld and that employers are penalized for non-compliance. Saudi labor laws should be updated to include clear working hour regulations, overtime pay, and protections against abuse.
The lifting of the moratorium presents a fresh start for Indonesia-Saudi labor relations. However, both nations must recognize that economic benefits should never come at the cost of human dignity. With an estimated 600,000 job placements available, this agreement has the potential to transform the lives of many Indonesian families. However, without robust protections in place, it could also lead to another cycle of exploitation.
The upcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia must serve as more than just a symbolic gesture. It must lay the foundation for lasting change. Indonesia must uphold strict pre-departure regulations, while Saudi Arabia must ensure that Indonesian workers are treated with dignity and fairness. Only through genuine cooperation and accountability can both countries create a migration system that is safe, fair, and beneficial for all parties involved. Furthermore, smooth labor ties between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia could serve as a stepping stone toward stronger overall bilateral relations. A well-managed labor migration system would not only protect workers but also enhance economic ties, foster mutual trust, and promote broader cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. If Indonesia and Saudi Arabia can establish a sustainable and just labor agreement, it could pave the way for deeper diplomatic engagement and long-term strategic partnerships in various sectors.
Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat is Director of Indonesia-MENA Desk at Center of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta.
Yeta Purnama is a Researcher at Center of Economic and Law Studies in Jakarta.
Photo by Brett Jordan
