Manpower Ministry strengthens apprentice competence amid Japan's ESDP policy shift
The Ministry of Manpower is strengthening the quality of Indonesian apprentices in Japan following the policy shift from the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) to the Ikusei Shurou Seido, or Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP). TITP is a work apprenticeship programme for foreign workers that Indonesian participants have joined to date, while ESDP is a new Japanese programme that places greater emphasis on developing participants’ skills.
Ministry Secretary-General Cris Kuntadi said the change is a momentum for Indonesia to improve the quality of participant preparation, not only in technical skills but also in understanding standards, discipline, safety, and work culture in Japan. “We appreciate and thank the companies for the opportunity given to Indonesian participants to learn, develop skills, and gain work experience in Japan,” Cris said.
According to him, skills development needs to be an important part of participants’ experience during the apprenticeship. Therefore, work experience in Japan is expected to also serve as a learning process that strengthens participants’ competence and readiness to face the world of work. “We hope participants not only gain technical skills but also learn about discipline, productivity, occupational safety, quality, and Japanese work culture,” he said.
Cris advised Indonesian participants to make the most of the opportunity, comply with regulations, maintain health and safety at work, and uphold Indonesia’s good name while in Japan. To ensure the apprenticeship experience increasingly matches the needs of the world of work, Cris also hopes companies can provide input on the skills and labour needs in the field. “Such input will serve as material for the Indonesian government in preparing apprenticeship participants who are increasingly suited to the needs of industry in Japan,” he said.
In line with this, the ministry hopes companies receiving apprentices will continue to provide a safe, conducive work environment that supports the learning process. “Any issues that arise are also expected to be communicated and resolved together,” he said.