KP2MI Partners with Lemhannas to Strengthen National Insight for Prospective Migrant Workers

This step was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) of the Republic of Indonesia in Central Jakarta today. The signing was conducted by the Minister of P2MI, Mukhtarudin, and the Governor of Lemhannas RI, TB. Ace Hasan Syadzily, witnessed by the Deputy Minister of P2MI, Christina Aryani; the Secretary General of KP2MI, Komjen Pol Dwiyono; the Deputy Governor of Lemhannas, Laksdya TNI Erwin S. Aldedharma; and senior leaders from both institutions. Mukhtarudin emphasised that the signing of the MoU with Lemhannas RI is not merely an administrative cooperation but an effort to protect the ideology and mentality of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI). According to him, prospective migrant workers must not only be equipped with technical skills (hard skills) but also possess a firm love for the homeland. Mukhtarudin explained the concept of Soft Diplomacy, stating that by sending workers with strong national insight, Indonesia demonstrates to the world that migrant workers are disciplined individuals with integrity who carry the noble values of the nation. “We want our migrant workers to truly become ambassadors of the nation. When they are abroad, they carry the Red and White flag on their chests. This national insight will serve as a shield so they are not easily exposed to radical ideologies or harmful foreign influences,” Mukhtarudin stated in his remarks on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Mukhtarudin stressed the importance of comprehensive national insight training for every prospective Indonesian migrant worker before departing to their placement countries. This is considered urgent given the long duration of work abroad, which makes them vulnerable to new values and foreign ideologies. Mukhtarudin also highlighted the social dynamics that migrant workers will face during their two to three years of work abroad. He explained that the international work environment brings risks of understandings that could erode their love for the homeland. “They work abroad for two to three years, even longer. Every day they encounter new understandings and values there. Various ideologies exist there. Therefore, strengthening national insight and love for the homeland is very necessary for our prospective migrant workers before going abroad,” Mukhtarudin asserted. Collaboration with Lemhannas Through cooperation with Lemhannas, the Ministry of P2MI aims to ensure that migrant workers have a strong ‘filter’ or mental safeguard. National insight is expected to serve as an anchor so that workers remain steadfast in their Indonesian identity amid global cultural and ideological diversity. The strategy for strengthening migrant workers is carried out through a comprehensive approach, starting from ideological literacy to equip them with a basic understanding of national resilience so they are not easily swayed by radical ideologies or values contrary to Pancasila. “Strengthening mentality is a priority to build pride as Indonesian citizens, so that every migrant worker can uphold the nation’s dignity and become a state ambassador in the eyes of the international community,” Mukhtarudin elaborated. As a follow-up step, the government is also preparing remote support in the form of digital national insight materials that can be accessed periodically, serving as a reminder of a strong national identity while they strive in foreign lands. This step reinforces the Ministry of P2MI’s vision to produce migrant workers who are not only professionally skilled but also possess unshakeable national integrity. This cooperation will integrate materials from Lemhannas into the Pre-Departure Orientation (OPP) system. Given the very limited orientation time of one to five days, the Ministry of P2MI together with Lemhannas RI will package national insight materials in a concise yet in-depth format through digital means and pocket books. “Our migrant workers can have a strong grasp of values. This is part of our effort to prepare skilled workers with character,” Mukhtarudin clarified. Meanwhile, the Governor of Lemhannas, Ace Hasan Syadzily, emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration between institutions in facing increasingly complex global geopolitical challenges. Ace also stated that this cooperation is not merely ceremonial but a concrete step to respond to shifting global dynamics from unipolar to multipolar. He highlighted the international political landscape that is now tending towards unitarianism and realism, where each country’s national interests become the primary priority. The foreign policies of major countries as well as ongoing conflicts, such as Russia-Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, are seen to directly impact global supply chains and the economy. “It is very important for us to continue collaborating to strengthen societal defence. This cooperation with KP2MI is a manifestation of our joint commitment in building a shared vision to achieve national goals and the President’s Asta Cita priority programme,” he said. Superior Human Resources and National Ideology One of the crucial points in this cooperation is the strengthening of Human Resources (SDM). Ace Hasan Syadzily emphasised that Indonesian migrant workers must not only excel intellectually and in skills but also possess strong national character. “We want to encourage them to have a national character integrated with national ideology. This is our shared responsibility, including for workers under the auspices of KP2MI,” Ace explained. Re-Branding Strategy: Towards Formal and Professional Sectors Ace gave high appreciation to Mukhtarudin’s steps in re-branding the image of Indonesian Migrant Workers. Because, so far, the migrant worker profession has often been associated with domestic or informal sectors. Through collaboration with various parties