On Friday (October 10), Stella Maris Batam held a dialogue with the Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers at his office in Jakarta. The delegation was warmly received by the Minister himself, along with several senior officials. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce Stella Maris Batam and explore opportunities for collaboration with KP2MI.
In his opening remarks, Father Ansensius Guntur (Father Yance), Director of Stella Maris Batam, expressed his gratitude to KP2MI for sending representatives to attend the recent Migrants Sunday seminar in Batam. He noted that their participation was particularly meaningful, as the event fostered a public dialogue among human rights advocates, labor unions, and industry representatives. Father Yance also shared an overview of Stella Maris Global, whose mission is to care for people of the sea. With more than 300 Stella Maris centers worldwide, the organization has provided vital support to many Indonesian seafarers and fishers across the globe.
In his response, Minister Mukhtarudin thanked Stella Maris for its ongoing commitment to supporting Indonesian seafarers and fishers. “We deeply appreciate Stella Maris for standing alongside KP2MI in advocating for the protection of Indonesian seafarers’ and fishers’ rights,” he said. The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of migrant workers.
Stella Maris Batam and KP2MI reaffirmed their shared commitment to future collaboration. Discussions are currently underway to define concrete areas of partnership, with the hope that this cooperation will further enhance the welfare and protection of Indonesian seafarers and fishers.