Central Java Provincial Government Prepares Drivers to Meet Demand in Japan

Semarang (ANTARA) - The Central Java Provincial Government (Jateng) will prepare reliable and skilled workers to meet the demand for drivers in Japan.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated in Semarang on Monday that this step is a follow-up to the cooperation between the Central Java Provincial Government and 3EEE Inc Japan. “The Department of Education and the Department of Manpower will discuss this with 3EEE Inc Japan,” he said, while receiving an audience with 3EEE Inc Japan CEO Norio Tanaka and Head of the President’s Office Hideo Mori.

He noted that the preparation of prospective workers will begin at the vocational and technical education levels. This includes additional Japanese language training tailored to the proficiency levels required for working in the country.

Furthermore, the Central Java Provincial Government is opening opportunities for language education collaboration with 3EGGE so that the skills of prospective workers can be aligned with company standards and the needs of the Japanese transport industry.

In addition to language skills, training will be directed towards driving competencies, ranging from technical skills and transport safety to eco-driving, understanding regulations, and passenger service.

Employment opportunities in Japan are also showing an increase, as evidenced by the rise in the placement of migrant workers from Central Java, which grew from 3,760 people in 2024 to 5,712 people in 2025, an increase of approximately 52 per cent.

Hideo Mori, Head of the President’s Office at 3EEE Inc Japan, stated that government involvement is necessary to ensure the preparation and placement process has a clear mechanism and provides certainty for prospective workers. “Programs like this need to be implemented alongside the government. If the government is not involved, it will be difficult to determine the rules or mechanisms,” he said.

According to him, coordination is also required to bridge information regarding visas and working regulations in Japan. He assessed that these discussions need to be followed up immediately because Japan is currently facing a labour shortage.

“The labour shortage is a condition that is happening right now. Therefore, discussions like this need to be conducted and decided upon as quickly as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, 3EEE Inc Japan CEO Norio Tanaka added that the demand for labour is related to Japan’s demographic changes. Japan’s population, currently around 120 million, is expected to fall to less than 100 million after 2040, with approximately 40 per cent belonging to the elderly group.

“After gaining experience in Japan, they can bring back advanced knowledge and practices from Japan and utilise them for Indonesia’s future development,” he said.