BLITAR – Authorities are closely monitoring Blitar migrant workers in the Middle East conflict as regional tensions raise concerns about their safety.
The Blitar Manpower Office (Disnaker) reports that 54 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from Blitar Regency are currently employed in several Middle Eastern countries affected by instability.
Official data show that 22 workers are in Saudi Arabia, three in Bahrain, one in Kuwait, 14 in Qatar, and 14 in the United Arab Emirates.
Yopie Kharisma Sanusi, head of job placement and employment expansion at the Blitar Manpower Office, said his team continues to coordinate with the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) and Indonesian diplomatic missions.
“We maintain constant coordination. At the regional level, we work with the One-Stop Integrated Service (LTSA) and KP2MI. Overseas, Indonesian embassies and consulates provide updates. So far, we have not received reports of Blitar residents becoming victims,” Yopie said.
Disnaker is actively reviewing records of migrant workers who departed through official procedures, especially those assigned to countries near conflict zones. The agency also tracks developments through relevant ministries and Indonesian representatives abroad.
Yopie stressed that the office only records workers who registered legally in the official system. The agency does not hold verified data on non-procedural migrant workers, although some may be in the region.
If the conflict affects any Blitar migrant workers, Disnaker will coordinate directly with village governments and families. The office will assist with repatriation or handle emergency situations, including fatalities.
However, KP2MI has not issued any directive regarding a possible mass evacuation.
“We cannot speculate about mass repatriation. Until now, KP2MI has not provided any official information on that issue,” Yopie said.
Yopie also revealed that his office previously rejected several applications from prospective migrant workers seeking placement in the Middle East. He clarified that incomplete administrative requirements from the recruiting company prompted those rejections, not the regional conflict.
Despite rising tensions, local officials hope the situation stabilizes soon. Many Blitar residents depend on overseas jobs to support their families.
“We hope the conflict eases so our migrant workers can continue working safely until their contracts end. They are there to earn a living,” Yopie added.
For now, the Blitar Manpower Office continues to monitor developments and maintain communication with national authorities and Indonesian missions abroad.