Esa Unggul University and KemenP2MI Establish Health Sector Migrant Centre
Esa Unggul University, powered by Arizona State University, is strengthening its contribution to preparing competent Indonesian human resources for the global labour market through the establishment of a Migrant Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection (KemenP2MI). This collaboration focuses on increasing the competence and competitiveness of prospective migrant workers, particularly in the healthcare sector, through education, training, and skill development tailored to the needs of destination countries.
This commitment was marked by the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) regarding the establishment of the Migrant Centre, held at the Graha Pratama Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (10/09/2026). Through the involvement of the Physiotherapy and Nursing (Ners) study programmes, the Migrant Centre is expected to serve as a competency development space that prepares prospective Indonesian migrant workers with professional skills relevant to international labour market demands.
The Rector of Esa Unggul University, Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma Among Praja, stated that this cooperation is a concrete step by the university to support the government’s strategic programmes while implementing the ‘Tri Dharma Pergurently Tinggi’ (the three pillars of higher education).
“This cooperation is a tangible manifestation of Esa Unggul University’s contribution to supporting the government’s strategic programmes to increase the bargaining position of Indonesian labour on the international stage. Through expertise in Physiotherapy and Nursing, the Migrant Centre is expected to equip prospective migrant workers with relevant competencies,” said the Rector.
The Minister of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection, Drs. Mukhtarudin, welcomed this collaboration positively. According to him, synergy with the educational world is crucial for transforming the workforce from basic skills towards specific professional expertise.
“Collaboration with universities is a vital part of preparing more competent Indonesian Migrant Workers. We want to encourage the improvement of migrant worker quality, including the transformation towards a workforce that possesses specific competencies and expertise,” said Muklarudin.
He added that strengthening education and training will build a more integrated protection ecosystem, ensuring that Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) can work safely, professionally, and with dignity, while simultaneously reducing the risk of non-procedural placement.
The healthcare sector is one of the fields with high demand for professional personnel in the international market. Through the Physiotherapy and Nursing (Ners) study programmes, Esa Unggul University will play a central role in aligning training curricula with the regulations and working standards of destination countries.
The establishment of the Migrant Centre is not merely an academic orientation but a form of adaptation to the needs of the global working world. Multi-stakeholder cooperation between the government, universities, and professional organisations is expected to produce training programmes that provide real benefits for Indonesian talent.
For Esa Unggul University, this initiative strengthens the connection between the world of education and industrial needs as well as national strategic programmes. With the support of Arizona State University, UEU remains committed to delivering educational innovations relevant to future challenges.
The presence of this Migrant Centre serves as an effort to provide information to workers intended to be sent abroad.