Government Equips Prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers with National Insight

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) has officially strengthened the pre-departure curriculum for prospective Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) with a focus on enhancing national insight to reinforce soft diplomacy efforts. This step was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin and the Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) of Indonesia, TB Ace Hasan Syadzily, in Jakarta on Tuesday. Mukhtarudin explained the concept of soft diplomacy, which Indonesia implements by sending workers with strong national insight, demonstrating to the world that migrant workers are disciplined individuals of integrity who carry the nation’s noble values. “We want our migrant workers to become true national ambassadors. When they are abroad, they carry the Red and White flag on their chests. This national insight will serve as a shield so they are not easily exposed to radical ideologies or harmful foreign influences,” Mukhtarudin stated in his remarks. This national insight training is deemed essential for prospective PMI before departing to their host countries, considering the lengthy work duration abroad makes them vulnerable to new values and foreign ideologies. Mukhtarudin also highlighted the social dynamics that PMI will face while working two to three years overseas. He explained that the international work environment carries risks of understandings that could erode their love for the homeland. Through collaboration with Lemhannas, the Ministry of P2MI aims to ensure that migrant workers have a strong mental filter. National insight is expected to act as an anchor so workers remain steadfast in their Indonesian identity amid global cultural and ideological diversity. This cooperation will integrate Lemhannas materials into the Pre-Departure Orientation (OPP) system for prospective PMI. Given the limited orientation time of one to five days, the Ministry of P2MI and Lemhannas will package the national insight materials concisely yet profoundly through digital formats and pocket books. As a sustainability measure, the government is also preparing remote support in the form of digital national insight materials that can be accessed periodically, serving as a reminder of a solid national identity while they strive in foreign lands. This step reinforces the Ministry of P2MI’s vision to produce migrant workers who are not only professionally skilled but also possess unshakeable national integrity.