Jakarta, January 30th 2025: Destructive Fishing Watch Indonesia (DFW), in partnership with PROGRESS and supported by PCI, launched “Coping with Climate: How Extreme Weather is Already Impacting Internal Migrants?” on January 30, 2025 in the city. An event, based on the findings of this report, was attended by government officials, academics, and NGOs/CSOs, included a presentation of the findings and a panel discussion with key stakeholders.
Through their collaborative efforts, the organizations conducted a survey of 1,492 internal migrants across eight provinces. Kartika Sari, Director of PROGRESS, provided a detailed analysis of the results. The survey revealed that 90% of respondents had been affected by climate change in some capacity, with flooding being the most common impact (75%), followed by drought (55%). These climate-related hazards have significantly disrupted the migrants’ food security, health, housing, and sanitation. Despite these challenges, there has been a notable lack of support from stakeholders to address their needs.
A panel discussion, where various stakeholders were invited to respond to the findings and share their own experiences and programs, was also organised. The session was moderated by Basten Gokkon, a renowned journalist from Mongabay. Among the panellists were Nabiyya Perennia from DFW and Hanindha Kristy from Beranda Migran. Both offered insights into the challenges faced by migrants in Java, particularly those exposed to climate risks. DFW shared their recent findings from Pekalongan, Central Java, where they focused on the plight of ship crew (ABK). The research revealed a persistent cycle of poverty that traps these workers in their profession. Climate hazards, such as extreme weather events and coastal flooding, have severely impacted the fisheries they rely on for income. As a result, ship crew members are often forced to endure extended trips lasting 10 to 18 months, working under poor conditions without any work insurance. Many feel a profound sense of hopelessness regarding their circumstances.
Ms. Hanindha discussed the situation of migrant workers from Cilacap in southern Central Java. Due to poverty and severe droughts during dry seasons, farm labourers in Karang Jengkol are forced to seek work elsewhere. In addition to climate change, land use changes—particularly the construction of a coal-powered plant—have displaced local fishermen, pushing them into dangerous waters and increasing fuel costs, all without insurance or social protection. As a result, nearly every household in the area has at least one migrant worker, facing risky conditions in both domestic and international labor markets.
Dr. Ali Yansyah Abdurrahim, an academic at BRIN (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional), offered his perspective. With extensive expertise in human-climate dynamics, Dr. Ali praised the report for it’s large-scale research. He emphasized the ongoing gap in labor policies and proposed the need for real-time data on internal migration, particularly linked to climate events. To address this, he encouraged collaboration among all stakeholders, including the private sector through CSR.
Speaking for the local government, Mr. Bayu Eka Putra, Sub-coordinator for Competence Standardization at the Ministry of Manpower, discussed government initiatives focused on capacity building. He highlighted the growing demand for certification even in informal sectors and stressed the importance of accessible training programs. The Ministry supports training tailored to local needs, digital and technical literacy, and certification through programs like Siap Kerja and the Skill Hub, an online database of certifications by skill and location. Although there are plans to support self-employed labor, budget cuts in 2025 have left the future of these programs uncertain.
Mr. Rafdinal, Director of Financial Bodies and Investments at the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, attended the session and shared that, unfortunately, the ministry has faced significant budget cuts. Despite this, he highlighted the BUMDes (Village-Owned Enterprises) program, which could be leveraged to enhance climate resilience. Looking ahead, several village initiatives are being developed to build capacity in addressing the climate crisis, including programs like Desa Berketahanan Iklim and Desa Tangguh Bencana.
The Q&A session sparked enthusiastic participation, with questions addressing rural poverty, village funding, and the rights of internal migrant workers. While perspectives varied, all attendees and panellists shared a common consensus on the urgency of the climate crisis and its profound impact on migrant workers. Ultimately, it is hoped that the launch will inspire greater collaboration to advance development and research focused on protecting and enhancing the resilience of migrant workers.
Learn More: Coping with Climate
