JAKARTA - Indonesian migrant worker Sigit Aliyando has been repatriated from South Korea after suffering severe health issues following a workplace accident earlier this year. The Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI) confirmed on March 19, 2025, that the repatriation followed a family request to allow Sigit to receive treatment in his home country.
Initially injured in February 2024, Sigit was rushed to Daegu Hospital where he underwent intensive care. According to Rinardi, the Director-General of Protection at KP2MI, Sigit faced severe injuries which necessitated multiple surgeries. "In an attempt to save his life, the hospital performed an initial surgery involving craniotomy and hematoma removal on March 22, 2024," Rinardi stated. Following this, doctors recommended a second operation due to Sigit's optimistic response to the first surgical procedure.
However, after the second operation, Sigit did not show any significant improvement, remaining in a coma as of March 2025. "Sad to say, as of March 2025, his condition has not shown significant improvement and he remains in a coma," Rinardi added.
Facing this difficult situation, Sigit's family approached KP2MI with a formal request to repatriate him to Indonesia. The procedures for this repatriation were managed meticulously, with the South Korean hospital approving the return and ensuring that all necessary medical support would be available during the journey. "All repatriation processes were conducted with thorough preparations, including medical personnel support and guarantees that emergency care would be available during the transport," Rinardi explained.
Upon his arrival in Indonesia, Sigit is set to receive continuous medical care at the Polri Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. This case has drawn attention to the overwhelming responsibility the government has toward its migrant workers. Rinardi emphasized that this situation exemplifies the importance of migrant workers being employed through official channels. "We want to stress that this case is a clear example of how important it is to work as a migrant worker officially. With a formal status, migrant workers have access to legal protection, insurance compensation, and assistance from the government in emergencies," he stated.
Furthermore, Abdul Kadir Karding, the Minister of Migrant Worker Protection, strongly advised potential migrant workers to follow regulations and properly prepare necessary documentation before seeking employment abroad. His message, echoing the sentiments of KP2MI, reiterated how formal employment would ease the government’s ability to protect Indonesian migrant workers overseas. "Thus, migrant workers who leave officially will facilitate the government in safeguarding Indonesian workers abroad," Karding asserted.
Sigit Aliyando's ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Indonesian migrant workers, emphasizing the vital need for robust systems to support their health and safety while working overseas. As the government continues to address worker welfare, this incident shines a light on the stark realities that many migrant workers encounter during their employment abroad.
