Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has highlighted the importance of cooperation in protecting Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea, at a meeting with her South Korean counterpart, Chung Eui-yong, who was on his trip to Southeast Asia.

"Currently, there are 33,000 Indonesian migrant workers in the RoK (Republic of Korea), including 5,950 Indonesian crew members who work on South Korean fishing vessels," said Minister Retno in a joint press statement with FM Chung here on Friday.

"I have asked Minister Chung's attention to continue to increase protection for Indonesian migrant workers, including the crew members in South Korea," Retno said.

In May 2021, she continued, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of manpower and Indonesian migrant worker’s protection, especially those who work on South Korean fishing vessels with a capacity of 20 tons and over.

"I also encourage discussions on regulation and protection for Indonesian crew members working on long-line ships belonging to South Korea to be carried out immediately," said the Indonesian foreign minister.

"I also have Minister Chung that the re-entry and new placement of Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea be opened soon," she added.

Reporting by Indonesia Window