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URWOKERTO: The government is set to channel loans for migrant workers in 2012 through the KUR micro-credit loan program in 2012, a government official said.

Migrant workers (TKI) have been included as recipients of the loan plan, which amounts to Rp 20 trillion (about US$2.3 billion), with hopes of addressing workers’ economic hardship before or after they return home.

“Based on our survey and reports, the fate of TKIs is quite complex, as they not only face legal issues and injustice, but also economic hardship and debt,” said Finance Ministry macro policy analysis assistant Bobby Rafinus in Purwokerto on Friday.

He was on hand to provide the statement in front of around 250 prospective TKIs and former TKIs from Banyumas and Cilacap regencies during the KUR campaign event.

Bobby said that KUR had previously been focused on small- and mediumscale enterprises, without stressing the TKI issue. However, TKIs, would now be provided top priority next year.

“This is our commitment, so TKIs can become more economically independent,” Bobby said. The TKI KUR is entitled to prospective TKI and former TKIs who wish to develop their business skills, he added.