Indonesia targets 40,000 migrant workers through SMK Go Global programme

The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) is targeting the placement of 40,000 prospective Indonesian migrant workers abroad in 2026 through the SMK Go Global programme initiated by President Prabowo. “The SMK Go Global programme will be implemented in stages throughout the 2026–2029 period with ambitious yet measured placement targets,” said Minister of P2MI Mukhtarudin during a working meeting with Committee III of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Monday. He noted the meeting was strategic and focused on overseeing the implementation of Law Number 18 of 2017 on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, as well as structuring a safer, more transparent, and accountable labour placement ecosystem. The meeting also addressed four strategic agendas: the implementation of the Quick Win programme for Indonesian migrant workers, strengthening the protection ecosystem from upstream to downstream, the implementation of a cross-ministerial joint circular, and a programme to strengthen the rights of children of former migrant workers. Regarding the SMK Go Global programme, Mukhtarudin stated that KP2MI is targeting the placement of 40,000 prospective Indonesian migrant workers in 2026, projected to rise sharply to 140,000 in 2027, 180,000 in 2028, and closing with a target of 140,000 in 2029. He described the innovative Quick Win SMK Go Global programme as a concrete step to expand overseas employment opportunities and reduce the national unemployment rate. The programme is specifically designed to support President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to prepare 500,000 ready-to-deploy workers for the global market. Beyond SMK Go Global, Mukhtarudin affirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the transformation of migrant worker protection. The adopted approach is now more holistic, covering the pre-departure phase, the period of employment in the destination country, and the return to their homeland. This comprehensive strategy is implemented through several key pillars, including enhancing the competency and mental readiness of prospective migrant workers, strengthening bilateral placement cooperation with various strategic partner countries, and optimising the role and function of labour attachés abroad. The government is also continuing to strengthen legal protection services and take firm action against all forms of violations. “Not only focusing on placement, the government is also encouraging the empowerment of former Indonesian migrant workers through well-integrated social programmes,” Mukhtarudin added. These efforts include social reintegration programmes, rehabilitation, sound financial literacy, and independent entrepreneurship development. Mukhtarudin expressed hope that these programmes would improve the economic welfare of migrant workers and their families while making a tangible contribution to national development.