KP2MI Targets 500,000 Migrant Workers, Signs MoU with Banten Province and Krakatau Steel

The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) has officially established synergy with three partners: the Banten provincial government, Krakatau Steel Group, and the Alumni Association of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University (IKA UNTIRTA). This step was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreements (PKS) at the KP2MI Office in Jakarta. On this occasion, P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin presented data on Indonesian labour movement. Based on SISKOP2MI data from January 2025 to 12 June 2026, nationally KP2MI has facilitated 433,169 placement services, dominated by five main destination countries: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore. Despite high placement figures, Mukhtarudin stressed that international job market opportunities remain vast and under-utilised. According to SIP2MI data as of 13 June 2026, there are 313,803 overseas job opportunities. However, only 76,907, or approximately 24.51%, have been filled. “This means there are still 236,896 job opportunities (75.49%) wide open and waiting to be filled by competent Indonesian workers,” Mukhtarudin stated. In his remarks, Mukhtarudin highlighted Banten Province as a strategically positioned region. From 2025 to 12 June 2026, placement services from Banten reached 5,542. This movement brings massive economic impact through remittances for the region. “If every migrant worker consistently sends an average of Rp5 million per month, this fund flow creates an extraordinary multiplier effect, moving the pulse of the local economy, turning the wheels of MSMEs in villages, and increasing people’s purchasing power,” Mukhtarudin explained. However, behind this potential, Banten’s geographical location surrounded by port and airport access makes it highly vulnerable to non-procedural placement practices and the Crime of Human Trafficking (TPPO). The reality of this threat is visible from the performance of BP3MI Banten, which ranks first nationally in prevention intensity. Throughout 1 January to 31 May 2026, BP3MI Banten executed 297 prevention activities and successfully rescued 572 Prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers (CPMI) from illegal departure. “This figure is not merely a statistic, but represents the lives and futures of Indonesian families we have managed to protect,” Mukhtarudin asserted. To fortify communities from the grip of illegal syndicates while optimising global job market potential, this cross-agency collaboration carries four main protection visions. These include disseminating job opportunity information and safe migration socialisation, enhancing human resource capacity through training, optimising integrated services from health checks to placement, and strengthening the post-placement economy of Indonesian Migrant Workers. This macro synergy is accelerated at the technical level through two strategic Cooperation Agreements (PKS) governing management from upstream to downstream. To ensure this programme reaches the grassroots, Mukhtarudin also encouraged the Banten Regional Government to accelerate the Golden Migrant Village programme. Thus, village governments can truly serve as the front line of protection as well as empowerment centres for returned migrant workers. This collaboration is also linear with the Quick Win SMK Go Global programme run by the Ministry of P2MI together with the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment. The programme targets the placement of 500,000 skilled workers by 2029 in strategic sectors such as caregiving, welding, hospitality, nursing, and truck driving to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a Global Talent Supplier. Mukhtarudin said the entire series of cooperation leads to the concept of Brain Circulation. “Indonesian talent is encouraged to work globally to absorb the best knowledge, technology, and work ethic. After that, they return to the homeland to build productive businesses and contribute to the national economy,” he said. Mukhtarudin also reminded all parties that this agreement should not stop as a formality on paper. “Going forward, real steps in the field are the proof. Let us together present dignified governance and protection for these family economic heroes,” Mukhtarudin stated. Banten Governor Andra Soni welcomed the synergy. He assessed the collaboration as an important step in optimising the great potential of Banten’s human resources in the international job market. Andra Soni also affirmed the Banten Provincial Government’s full commitment to realising the President’s grand vision of preparing skilled workers ready to compete globally. “We have high hopes, according to the President’s direction, that within four years we can achieve the target of 200,000 trained and educated Indonesian Migrant Workers to be placed in friendly countries,” he explained. He added that this synergy carries deep personal meaning and will bring massive, direct benefits to grassroots communities. Andra expressed hope that all government ranks would seriously oversee this agreement for the people’s welfare, while opening opportunities for Banten residents to work abroad without worrying about their safety.