Cooperatives Can Send Professional Workers Abroad, Says Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister for Cooperatives Farida Farichah has said that cooperatives can play a role in preparing and sending professional workers abroad, as cooperative business models evolve beyond savings and loans and trade. She made the remarks while seeing off 86 Indonesian migrant workers departing for Japan through the Kita Miraino Hikari Sharia Cooperative programme, supported by financing from the Revolving Fund Management Agency, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday. “Kita Miraino Hikari Cooperative proves that young people can manage a cooperative professionally and digitally, and can send professional workers abroad,” Farida said in a ministry press release. She described the move as a form of modern cooperative transformation that contributes to the real sector, including opening up job opportunities in the international market. She also advised the migrant workers to uphold Indonesia’s good name while working in Japan and to use the opportunity to learn work ethic, managerial skills, and discipline that can be applied upon returning home. Farida added that the Cooperatives Ministry, through the Revolving Fund Management Agency, has channelled Rp55 billion in financing to support the operations of the Kita Miraino Hikari Sharia Cooperative. She said the financing support allows the cooperative to provide services to prospective migrant workers without requiring collateral fees. “This is a form of government affirmation. With very low interest rates, cooperatives can empower the community. Some workers can even depart without spending a single rupiah because of this innovative financing scheme,” she said. Meanwhile, Aditya Affasha Riawan, Chair of the Kita Miraino Hikari Sharia Cooperative, said the workers’ departure was the result of collaboration between the cooperative, the Cooperatives Ministry, the Revolving Fund Management Agency, and job training partners. He stressed that the cooperative continues to assist the migrant workers not only until their departure but also throughout their employment in Japan. The 86 migrant workers will be employed in various sectors, including hospitality and construction services in Japan.