BP2MI Encourages Padang Pariaman Regency to Utilise SMK Go Global Programme
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (BP2MI), Christina Aryani, has encouraged the Padang Pariaman Regency Government to utilise the SMK Go Global programme to prepare skilled Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).
“We have mapped out the community’s interests there, so that it can be more focused and aligned between interest and demand,” said Christina after receiving an audience from the Regent of Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, John Kenedy Azis, at the BP2MI Ministry Office, Jakarta, on Wednesday (9/9), as confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
During the meeting, both parties discussed overseas job opportunities for the younger generation, as well as Padang Pariaman’s potential in preparing skilled Indonesian migrant workers.
Christina stated that the Padang Pariament Government could utilise the SMK Go Global programme to enhance competence, upskilling, and open access to overseas placement in a safe, procedural, and protected manner.
According to her, the ‘link and match’ between overseas labour needs, community interest, and the availability of vocational institutions is the key to the programme.
She expressed hope that more residents of Padang Pariaman could participate in the second batch of SMK Go Global, which is set to commence in the third week of September this year.
Christina added that the BP2MI Ministry is also open to strengthening collaboration with local governments in preparing prospective migrant workers who possess competencies aligned with global labour market needs.
“We are not just building departures to overseas countries, but rather how the community possesses the required competencies, departs through the correct procedures, and receives protection from before they work, during their employment, until they return to their home region,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Padang Pariaman, John Kenedy Azis, expressed his region’s desire to play a role in migrant worker placement. Padang Pariaman currently comprises 17 districts, 14 vocational high schools (SMK), and several vocational education institutions such as the Maritime Polytechnic and nursing and midwifery schools.
“We want to play a role in meeting the needs for Indonesian migrant workers. We requested guidance from the Deputy Minister today on what we need to prepare,” he said.
According to him, cooperation with the BP2MI Ministry could open up more job opportunities while simultaneously reducing the unemployment rate in Padang Pariaman.