Eyewitness – DENPASAR
The Minister of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, conducted a working visit to “Namaste 21 Handmade,” a traditional craft business in the Padang Galak area of East Denpasar, Bali, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
The visit aimed to witness firsthand the success of a former Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) who has achieved economic independence upon returning to the country. The craft enterprise was pioneered by Novita Wesley Simanjuntak, a former migrant worker who served as a nurse in Kuwait for nine years.
Minister Mukhtarudin highly commended Novita’s persistence in utilizing the experience and networks she gained abroad.
”Ms. Novita is a prime example of successful ‘brain circulation.’ After nine years of nursing in Kuwait, she returned home with the experience, network, and capital necessary for self-development. This is the ideal figure of a migrant worker—someone who once worked for others and is now an entrepreneur employing others,” Mukhtarudin explained.
Government Support Through Integrated Empowerment
During the dialogue, Novita acknowledged that her success was inseparable from the literacy and support provided by the government. In response, Minister Mukhtarudin emphasized that the P2MI Ministry is committed to comprehensive mentoring, spanning from the pre-departure phase to post-service retirement.
The government has established cross-ministerial synergies through Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to ensure former migrant workers receive adequate facilities. These include:
• Financial Access: People’s Business Credit (KUR) facilities through the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs for those looking to start micro-businesses.
• Market Access: Collaboration with the Ministry of Trade to provide export quality coaching and access to international markets.
”The government remains present to empower the community. Statistics show that the majority of migrant workers who depart through procedural channels are prosperous and fulfilled. Issues frequently arise from non-procedural or illegal channels,” Mukhtarudin asserted.
He also cited the successful deployment of 1,000 migrant workers to the hospitality sector in Bulgaria, which was handled through professional, procedural channels.
Former Migrant Workers as a “Blessing” to the Community
Novita Wesley Simanjuntak welcomed the P2MI Ministry’s new specialized focus. She noted that the establishment of a dedicated ministry has made the mentorship of SMEs owned by former migrant workers more focused and integrated.
”We are very proud. As former workers, we no longer want to be viewed merely as ‘gold mines’ while working abroad. We must be able to produce results in our own country and be a blessing to the surrounding community by creating jobs,” said Novita, who currently employs six staff members.
The visit concluded at the Namaste 21 handicraft outlet, where Mukhtarudin expressed his hope that the business would continue to grow and serve as an inspiration for other migrant workers returning to Indonesia.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
