Indonesian Migrant Worker Placements Abroad Reach 238,000 in 2026
Jakarta - The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) has reported that approximately 238,000 Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) have been placed abroad throughout 2026. This figure is approaching the government’s target of 350,000 PMI by the end of the year.
Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin stated that the placements were carried out through various schemes, including private to private (P2P), government to government (G2G), and independent placements.
“Our target this year is 350,000. Hopefully this can be achieved, and also have an impact on foreign exchange,” he told reporters at the Industrial Training Centre (BDI) in East Jakarta on Wednesday (26/8/2026).
He said that placing PMI abroad is one of the government’s efforts to open job opportunities for the productive-age population. Indonesia is facing the challenge of population growth that is not matched by the availability of jobs.
On the other hand, several destination countries are experiencing ageing populations, so they need productive workers from abroad. Therefore, the government is now actively opening new markets in Europe, the Americas, Australia, and several Asian countries.
Nevertheless, Mukhtarudin emphasised that the government does not simply want to send workers. Prospective PMI need to be equipped with competencies that match the needs of destination countries. The government first reviews job orders, destination countries, and the sectors and types of work required before determining competencies and training for prospective workers.
“So it is hoped that of the 40,000 we have trained in 2026, all will have readiness in terms of technical readiness, technical skills, language, and certification. So they are ready to be placed to work abroad in the sectors we have prepared. That is the pattern,” he explained.
Beyond opening job opportunities, PMI also contribute to the economy through remittances. Mukhtarudin said that, based on Bank Indonesia data, the value of PMI remittances reached around Rp 288 trillion and contributed about 11% to the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
According to him, remittances also provide a multiplier effect on the economies of PMI’s home regions. The purchasing power of families or relatives in the PMI’s home areas has the potential to increase, enabling them to stimulate economic activity at the local level.
Apart from that, the government continues to prioritise the protection of PMI, both while abroad and upon returning to their home regions. Mukhtarudin also reminded the public not to be tempted by offers of quick work abroad through non-procedural channels, which risk leading to criminal acts of human trafficking.