Maryoto Sumadi, Director, Travel Documents, Visa and Immigration Services, Law and Human Rights Ministry
Too Many Players are Involved

THE problem of illegal Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia is a very complex one, made even more complicated due to the alleged involvement of many government officials. Even so, there are plenty who feel that if the bureaucracy is managed well, including the issuance of permits by immigration offices, the government would be able to prevent the trafficking of these workers and the 'slavery' of Indonesians abroad.

In an interview with Tempo in his office last November, Maryoto Sumadi admitted to plenty of irregularities when it comes to the issuing passports in the provinces and at Indonesian consulates abroad. Maryoto said the predicament was a difficult one to manage because it involves many interested parties. "The motivation inevitably has to do with money," he said. Excerpts:

January 19, 2016