JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – A tragic incident occurred on 24 January 2025 when an Indonesian migrant worker was shot dead by Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) in the waters of Tanjung Rhu, Malaysia.

The shooting has sparked outrage, with many calling for a reevaluation of the labor system and bilateral agreements between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Aznil Tan, the Executive Director of Migrant Watch, condemned the incident, attributing it to the failure of both Indonesia and Malaysia to establish an effective system for managing migrant labor. He claimed that the incident highlighted the failure of the two countries to create a cooperative framework that protects human rights.

“I view this incident as a clear indication of the failure of both countries to build a system that properly safeguards human rights. The labor cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia has been nothing more than lip service, leaving significant gaps that allow for the exploitation of migrant workers,” Aznil said in a press statement on 26 January 2025.

According to Aznil, the governance system between Indonesia and Malaysia does not adequately address the needs of the labor market, particularly in the informal and traditional sectors. He argued that the current system is overly complex, making it easier for Indonesians to migrate to Malaysia illegally.

“Many Indonesians still choose to travel to Malaysia illegally because it’s faster and simpler. Similarly, many Malaysians prefer hiring illegal workers because it’s cheaper and less complicated. This contrasts sharply with the current placement system, which is complicated and fails to address the complex, traditional labor markets in both countries,” he explained.