Government curbs illegal migrant worker placements through SMK Go Global programme

The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) is working to prevent the illegal placement of Indonesian migrant workers through the SMK Go Global programme, which focuses on enhancing the capabilities and overseas job placement of young talent. Minister Mukhtarudin stated that programme participants will receive free language training, technical training, and skills certification, with costs covered by the state budget (APBN). “It is hoped that with this government programme, people will no longer need to use unofficial channels. God willing, this activity will reduce the number of non-procedural placements,” Mukhtarudin said in Jakarta on Wednesday. To further reduce illegal migrant worker departures, the ministry is also providing People’s Business Credit (KUR) financing with a maximum limit of Rp100 million, a three-year tenor, and a 6 percent interest rate. The funds can be used to cover job training costs or as capital to prepare for departure to the destination country. KP2MI is targeting to disburse Rp393.5 billion in KUR for migrant workers this year. “It is hoped that people will no longer use non-procedural channels, because the pathway exists, the mechanism exists, and the financing also exists,” Mukhtarudin said. Beyond preventive measures, he noted that the government is also implementing repressive efforts to ensure no more citizens work abroad illegally. He said these efforts include increasing cyber patrols and removing various false information and fake news regarding overseas job vacancies. The ministry is also continuing to crack down on institutions conducting non-procedural worker placements and taking action against Indonesian Migrant Worker Placement Companies (P3MI) that violate placement regulations. “We are carrying out all these efforts in order to suppress the number of non-procedural placements, which we must continue to reduce, including the crime of human trafficking (TPPO),” Mukhtarudin added.