Government Launches Free Training Programme for Prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers

The government is opening a pathway for vocational high school (SMK) graduates and the general public to work abroad through a new programme called Asta Mandala SMK Go Global. Registration will open on 12 August, with all training costs, including language and certification, covered by the state budget (APBN).

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin stated that the programme is part of a target to accelerate the placement of 500,000 Indonesian migrant workers by 2029. “Registration starts on 12 August. Our training centres across 23 provinces are already publicising it,” he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (5/8/2026).

He explained that the programme is not just about providing training but is structured based on actual labour demand from destination countries. The government first maps out job orders and the required competencies before preparing the candidates. “The mechanism is market-driven. We identify the destination country and the sector needed, then we train the candidates accordingly. The key performance indicator is placement, not just training,” he said.

Priority destination countries include Japan, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, the Maldives, and several European nations. The sectors in demand range from caregivers and nurses to manufacturing, construction, welding, transport, hospitality, agriculture, and wellness therapy.

Mukhtarudin detailed that the programme aims to place 500,000 workers over four years: 40,000 in 2026, 140,000 in 2027, 180,000 in 2028, and 140,000 in 2029. Of this total, 300,000 are expected to be SMK graduates and 200,000 from the general public. The initial phase will focus on upskilling participants who already possess basic competencies, providing technical training, language instruction, and certification.

He clarified that the programme’s curriculum is separate from the formal education system and is designed purely as supplementary training to meet international market standards. Mukhtarudin also emphasised that the entire programme is free of charge, with all expenses borne by the state budget. He expressed hope that this initiative would provide a formal alternative for those seeking work abroad and help curb the practice of non-procedural migrant worker placements.