Institute for Research on Economics and Society – Faculty of Economics and Business – University of Indonesia

Indonesian Cross-Border Labor Migration: Structure, Institutions and Governance

September 9, 2013

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to examine the rationale of current institutional and governance structures and the roles of various public and private agencies involved in this process. The paper found that drawn by profitable profits the industry has attracted many entrants which intensify competition among sending firms. The most obvious change brought by this development is the increase of recruitment costs. This has also affected the supply-demand imbalances which in turn have profound impacts on the distribution of values ​​(rents) in the industry. Some of the increase in recruitment costs can also be attributed to the introduction of the law 39/2004 which formalizes the role of local recruiters (brokers) although it also provides some protection to workers. But the net benefits may not be great since sending firms can always shift the burden to workers through salary deductions in the first few months of working contracts. The effort to create a new independent agency as mandated by the new law to provide implementing services, coordination and monitoring of international migrant workers has yet to bear fruit. A clear division of labor is needed, but due to the huge rents involved this may require political intervention from the highest level of government.

 

source: REPEc.

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