In the early 1980s, Indonesia already sent workers to Middle East mainly Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was chosen due to similarity of religion and expectation of became Hajj which is until now, Hajj still consider respectful status in Indonesia village community. Placement of Indonesia workers was dominated with Female Domestic helpers.
At the early stage, Manpower companies mainly focusing on the quantity of placement rather than increasing the quality of the workers. Most of the workers were uneducated, even illiterate and untrained. Thus effect with disappointment from the employers which eventually initiate mistreatment, lack of protection, sexual harassment, abasement and other bad effect.
Motivate by those situation, Ms. Tri Astuti, founder of PT. Binamandiri Muliaraharja, propose to the Minister of Manpower, Mr. Sudomo, to set up the first Training Center for Overseas Placement (BLKLN). The proposal was approved and supported by Department of Manpower.
In 17 September 1985, Mr. Sudomo, was official commencing the establishment located in Malang, called BLKLN Karya Luhur. All Indonesia Manpower companies had to send their applicants to BLKLN Karya Luhur – Malang for 6 months, to receive proper training prior to their departure to Middle East.
