Indonesian Migrant Workers as Foreign Exchange Heroes, Minister P2MI Provides Evidence

The government is aiming to boost state foreign exchange earnings while expanding job opportunities through the Asta Mandala SMK Go Global programme. The programme, part of President Prabowo Subianto’s directives, has been prepared to meet the high demand for Indonesian workers in several countries such as Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Turkey, South Korea, and across Europe. Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin stated that the programme does not merely provide training for prospective migrant workers but is structured based on labour demand from destination countries. “The mechanism is that the market comes first, the placement country and its sector are identified, the required competencies are determined, and then training is provided accordingly. So, it is train, become competent, and then place. The key performance indicator is placement, not just training,” Mukhtarudin said during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday. He explained that the government first profiles the labour needs of each country based on job orders that have been verified by Indonesian representatives abroad. After that, prospective migrant workers receive training according to the required competencies. Priority sectors include caregivers, manufacturing, welding, construction, transportation, hospitality, nursing, agriculture, and wellness therapists. Graduates will be directed to fill job opportunities in various destination countries, including Japan, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, Turkey, Singapore, Taiwan, the Maldives, and several European nations. Mukhtarudin noted that the countries with the highest demand for Indonesian migrant workers are currently in Asia. Beyond opening job opportunities, the government is also targeting increased contributions to the national economy through remittances sent by workers. Mukhtarudin explained that one of the programme’s goals is successful remittance, which aims to improve the welfare of migrant workers and their families while boosting national foreign exchange reserves. He said that remittances not only increase the purchasing power of families in the regions but also serve as a source of foreign exchange for the country because they are sent in foreign currencies. “The remittance is productive, sent directly to their families, and from that money they finance their children’s education, pay for healthcare, renovate their homes, and also start businesses. So, it is hoped that remittances can drive community welfare, the welfare of migrant worker families. Because remittances are sent in foreign currency, they add to the national foreign exchange reserves,” he said. He added that the contribution of migrant worker remittances to Indonesia’s foreign exchange is significant. Through the SMK Go Global programme, the government is targeting the placement of 500,000 Indonesian migrant workers by 2029.