An Indonesian Migrant Worker at Risk of Execution in Saudi Arabia

Jakarta, VIVA – Migrant Watch has urged President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to prevent the execution of an Indonesian migrant worker Susanti Mahfud in Saudi Arabia in early September.

“Susanti Mahfud, an Indonesian citizen will face execution in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” said Migrant Watch Executive Director Aznil Tan on Wednesday (Aug 21).

According to Tan, the only way to save Susanti from execution is to pay diyat or blood money as compensation to the victim's family.

However, until now, efforts to raise funds have not achieved the expected results, while time is running out.

Migrant Watch also criticized President Jokowi for not taking concrete steps to save Susanti from the death penalty, including by assisting in the diyat settlement.

“Susanti left for Saudi Arabia legally. The state should be fully responsible for protecting her. President Jokowi must immediately take special steps to free Susanti from the death penalty,” Tan remarked.

Tan added, “At least show good faith by supporting efforts to raise diyat funds,"

Tan also criticized the Governor of West Java and the Regent of Karawang for not caring enough about Susanti's fate. Even though both regions benefit from the remittances sent by Indonesian migrant workers.

“Sadly, the Governor of West Java and the Regent of Karawang, who should be responsible for protecting migrant workers from their regions, seem indifferent in finding solutions. Meanwhile, their regions continue to enjoy remittances from PMI,” he remarked.

Migrant Watch also urges the government to be present and provide real support for PMI who are facing this critical situation.

“This concerns the nation's pride. The state must be present. Don't just show off the construction of the magnificent National Capital City (IKN) with a budget of IDR 42.5 trillion, while saving the lives of its citizens who are threatened with the death penalty is ignored,” he stressed.

“If Susanti is executed, the state has failed to protect its citizens and this can be a disgrace to the nation and a black stain in our history,” Tan continued.

Tan also emphasized that the government must pay special attention to the case of migrant workers, because they are foreign exchange heroes who contribute the second largest foreign exchange after oil and gas.

It is known that in 2023, it was recorded that PMI contributed IDR 227 trillion in foreign exchange.

“We really hope that Susanti can be freed from the death penalty. This is our shared responsibility. The state must be present to provide protection for its citizens as mandated by the constitution,” he concluded.

50 Saudis Arrested for Smuggling 205 Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported that Hajj Security Forces have arrested 50 people — 15 residents and 35 Saudi citizens — for violating Hajj regulations.

VIVA.co.id

5 Juni 2025