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Village Head Who Cares about Migrant Workers in Central Lombok

Lalu Harun is the Darek Village Head, Praya District, Central Lombok for period 2012 to 2018. He is concerned about the condition of migrant workers in Central Lombok.

“In my opinion, most of Lombok’s population are forced to become migrant workers due to economic pressure and limited amount of job openings in the area.” He said.

Seeing this condition, Harun argues that by imposing a “Zero Migrant Workers” might actually create a higher potential for trafficking.

“Because it will allow them to go into the destination country through illegal channels and through the rat more.” Said Harun.

One of the support from Darek Village Head to migrant workers is his support by giving a space for Desa Peduli Buruh Migran (DESBUMI), a program encouraged by Persatuan Panca Karsa (PPK), Migrant CARE’s partner. DESBUMI serves as a community-based information center, which collect data of migrant workers and potential migrant workers and also a medium for complaints for migrant workers and their families. The village head issued a Village Regulation (PERDES) which will ensure the sustainability of DESBUMI. This will need a further support of a Regional Regulation.

“With the presence of DESBUMI, current and potential migrant workers have a proper medium to file their complaints and to access all the correct information about working abroad. Village could help them minimizing the issues around migrant workers in this area.” said Harun.

Harun gives special room for DESBUMI activities in Darek Village office, so that citizens who need information could visit the village office. In addition to the room, village government also allocated funds to hire a staff for DESBUMI.

Besides that, within the DESBUMI program, there is a group of ex migrant workers and their families called Latanza group which Harun supports. This group is formed by PPK, one of Migrant CARE’s partners. Supported by MAMPU, the group carried out routine group discussions, Credit Unions and crafts training.

“This group of migrant workers could be a partner of the government in monitoring the problems around migrant workers which often arise.” Said Harun.

Harun also has a vision to further develop his area, so his people will have proper income within their are of living. Going abroad will be the last option in their life.

“I want people here to harness the potentials that we have in agriculture, tourism and expand its marketing strategy. This could open new jobs. I realized Lombok has a lot of potential but we’re not making a good use out of them. Here people could make traditional puppets, masks and woven fabrics. We also have local traditional food which we should capitalized for the betterment of the people,” said Harun.