Indonesia targets deployment of 300,000-500,000 skilled migrant workers from April 2026
Speaking after a coordination meeting with Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin, he said that starting in April, the government will begin sending skilled workers to Japan, South Korea, several European countries, the United States, and other destinations.
“Our target is to deploy between 300,000 and 500,000 skilled migrant workers from April through the following months,” Iskandar said in Jakarta on Tuesday, noting that the workers will have skills in fields such as welding, hospitality, and healthcare.
He called on Indonesian ambassadors to help facilitate placement arrangements for prospective migrant workers.
“I would like to ask ambassadors serving in various countries to develop a more detailed business process scheme and report to us regarding how many migrant workers can be employed in their respective countries,” he said.
Iskandar linked the appeal to a plan to deploy graduates of a capacity-building program for vocational high school (SMK) students as migrant workers.
The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment and the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers are collaborating on the SMK Go Global program, which aims to improve the quality of vocational education graduates and expand their access to overseas job markets.
He added that the two ministries will soon convene a meeting with Indonesian ambassadors to discuss placement opportunities and finalize preparations for the deployment of vocational school graduates.
Iskandar emphasized that the government is committed to enabling Indonesians to compete in international labor markets and seize available opportunities.
“We see significant potential in overseas job markets,” he said, citing competitive salaries and stronger social protection systems as key attractions.
Related news: Indonesia eyes stronger global workforce through higher education
Related news: Indonesia expands measures to protect migrant workers abroad
Translator: Anita Permata, Tegar Nurfitra