How many Indonesian Migrant Workers are placed in Malaysia?

The placement of Indonesian workers (TKI) in Malaysia in 2016 reached 87,616 people, a 10.2 percent decrease from the previous year. This is also the lowest number since 2011. After reaching its peak in 2013, the placement of Indonesian workers in neighboring Malaysia has shown a downward trend from 2014 to 2016.

Meanwhile, remittances (money sent by Indonesian workers) from Malaysia in 2016 reached US$2.3 billion, or approximately Rp 30.6 trillion at an exchange rate of Rp 13,300 per US dollar. This amount is equivalent to 26 percent of the total remittances from Indonesian workers working abroad.

Malaysia's new immigration policies, the single-window visa system, and additional health checks for Indonesian workers have harmed prospective Indonesian workers and placement companies. Additional levies intended for Malaysian employers have instead been imposed on Indonesian workers. These additional costs, amounting to Rp 1.73 million, must be borne by prospective Indonesian workers. This has been the case since December 2014.