"If the public knows anything about them (illegal workers), please report to us and we will immediately deport them. These illegal foreign workers would be directly deported from Indonesia if the government finds out about their existence," Dhakiri said here Tuesday.
The public are encouraged to report any presence of illegal foreign workers to the local or provincial labor office and the labor ministry to directly monitor and crack down.
The government could not prevent the entry of foreign workers especially after the ASEAN Economic Community came into effect, but the minister insisted that the workers obey the countrys regulation.
"We are not concerned about the influx of foreign workers as long as they are legal and do not violate regulations. However, when foreign workers are here illegally and violate regulations they will immediately be sent home. As simple as that," Dhakiri said.
There are clear rules for foreign labor in companies in Indonesia, therefore employers of foreign workers are reminded to ensure that they comply with local regulations, the minister also said.
"Regulations for foreign workers are quite strict in Indonesia. There is a requirement of competence and transfer of technology. Only skilled workers are allowed. As long as they enter legally and do not violate the rules for foreigners, there is no problem," Dhakiri said.
Foreign workers in Indonesia are also only allowed to occupy certain positions which are limited to the lowest position of an engineer or technician.
Minister Dhakiri also denied the issue of the 10 million laborers entering from China as part of a commitment to the countrys cooperation.
The number of Chinese workers in the country is fluctuating every year at around 14-16 thousand, or about 20-22 percent, of the total 70 thousand foreign workers in Indonesia.
Data from the labor ministry has recorded that the number of foreign workers in Indonesia has decreased since 2011 from 77,307 to 72,427 in 2012, 68,957 in 2013, 68,762 in 2014, and 69,025 in 2016. In 2016, between January and June, the number dropped to 43,816. (WDY)
