North Central Timor, Indonesia — The Manpower and Transmigration Office of North Central Timor Regency (Timor Tengah Utara/TTU) has implemented preventive, protective, and reintegration measures to address the risks faced by migrant workers departing through non-procedural channels. A study by Zenobius Alfa Amfotis Taek and colleagues from Triatma Mulya University, Indonesia, highlights the importance of coordinated government action to protect workers from exploitation and unsafe overseas employment.
Published in the International Journal of Asian Business and Applied Economics (IJBAE), Volume 5, Issue 5, September 2026, the study examines the strategies used by local authorities to prevent non-procedural migration and support workers who experience problems abroad.
Non-Procedural Migration Creates Serious Risks
Migrating for work can provide important economic opportunities for individuals and their families. However, workers who leave without following official procedures may face serious difficulties, including exploitation, unpaid or mismatched wages, interception, deportation, imprisonment, and even death.
The study reports that TTU recorded 29 non-procedural migrant workers between 2021 and 2023. The annual figures increased from five workers in 2021 to nine in 2022 and 15 in 2023. The total consisted of 14 men and 15 women.
The article also identifies deportation and worker deaths as significant concerns. It reports 13 deportation cases and 11 deaths over the three-year period, underscoring the serious consequences that can arise when people migrate through unsafe or unofficial channels.
Meanwhile, the number of workers placed through official procedures increased from 154 in 2021 to 194 in 2022 and 256 in 2023. This growth highlights the importance of accessible and trusted legal pathways for people seeking employment abroad.
Research Examines Local Government Strategies
The researchers used a qualitative descriptive approach to investigate the prevention efforts undertaken by the TTU Manpower and Transmigration Office. Information was gathered through observations, interviews, and documentation involving government officials and staff, affected migrant workers, the Tapen Bikomi Foundation, and parties involved in migrant worker management.
The collected information was analyzed using the interactive model developed by Miles and Huberman, which involves data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.
This approach enabled the researchers to examine both the government’s prevention policies and its responses to problems experienced by migrant workers.
Three Approaches to Protecting Migrant Workers
The study describes three interconnected approaches: prevention, recovery, and reintegration.
1. Prevention through education and coordination
Preventive measures include annual information sessions at the village level, education and skills training, distribution of brochures and official information, establishment of village task forces, document verification, and coordination among relevant agencies.
These activities aim to help residents recognize legitimate recruitment procedures and avoid brokers who promise high wages, inexpensive or rapid placement, and employment opportunities requiring fewer documents.
2. Assistance and recovery for affected workers
When migrant workers encounter problems, the response includes legal assistance, psychological and social counseling, protection of workers’ rights, and coordination with embassies and employers to facilitate repatriation or other necessary support.
These measures are intended to help affected workers return safely and address the difficulties they experience during or after their employment abroad.
3. Reintegration and economic empowerment
The third approach focuses on helping returning workers rebuild their livelihoods. Programs described in the article include skills workshops, support for small businesses, livestock farming, ikat weaving, beauty salons, and sewing.
The article’s table reports that these programs covered 140 people in 2024. Such initiatives can provide returning workers with alternative livelihood opportunities and support their reintegration into their communities.
Why a Coordinated Approach Matters
The findings suggest that preventing unsafe migration requires more than public warnings. Workers also need access to reliable information, manageable official procedures, appropriate skills training, and assistance when problems arise.
The researchers recommend stronger cooperation among government institutions and other relevant organizations. They also highlight the need for simpler administrative procedures for official migrant worker placement, regional regulations and sanctions targeting brokers, and continued public education on how to verify overseas employment opportunities through trusted agencies.
For communities in North Central Timor, these measures are particularly relevant because overseas employment decisions can affect not only individual workers but also their families and local economic conditions.
A comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, protection, and reintegration can help reduce exposure to unsafe recruitment while giving returning workers greater opportunities to recover and establish sustainable livelihoods.
About the Authors
- Zenobius Alfa Amfotis Taek - Universitas Triatma Mulya, Indonesia.
- Aplonia Pala- Universitas Triatma Mulya, Indonesia.
- Herminus Kefi- Universitas Triatma Mulya, Indonesia.
- Stefanus Bekun- Universitas Triatma Mulya, Indonesia.
- Alfrido Naiheli- Universitas Triatma Mulya, Indonesia.
Source
Taek, Z. A. A., Pala, A., Kefi, H., Bekun, S., & Naiheli, A. (2026). “Prevention Efforts of the Manpower and Transmigration Office for Non-Procedural Migrant Workers in North Central Timor Regency.” International Journal of Asian Business and Applied Economics, 5(5), 1277–1294.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijbae.v5i5.63
Journal website: https://journalijbae.my.id/index.php/ijbae
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