SMK Go Global prepares competent migrant workers to meet global labour market demands
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, has emphasised that SMK Go Global is a presidential directive designed to prepare prospective Indonesian migrant workers (CPMI) to be competent, work-ready, and capable of being placed according to the needs of the overseas labour market.
“This programme is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian migrant workers by increasing capacity in alignment with industrial needs, destination countries, and opportunities for skilled placement,” Minister Mukhtarudin told ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.
He noted that as of 17 September 2024, registrations for Batch I of the programme have reached 18,110 participants, with 4,601 participants currently undergoing training.
Registration is still ongoing in several regions to provide broader opportunities for communities across various parts of Indonesia. Meanwhile, the document verification process for all applicants is still underway.
For 2026, the government aims for 40,000 prospective migrant workers to receive capacity building through the SMK Go Global programme. This target will be implemented in stages, with Batch I consisting of 12,000 participants and Batch II consisting of 28,000 participants.
As September draws to a close, the implementation of Batch II is set to begin shortly to expand the programme’s scope and reach more prospective migrant workers in various regions.
During the programme, participants receive capacity-building training tailored to the needs of the overseas labour market and destination countries. This training includes language instruction, technical skills, and competency certification, with durations adjusted based on the type of training and required competencies.
The programme also links capacity building with placement opportunities. Participants who have completed the training and met the requirements will be facilitated through a job-matching process according to international labour market needs.
Subsequently, participants undergo the placement stages, including medical examinations, completion of documentation, visa processing, and other requirements as specified by the destination country.
“With this approach, SMK Go Global is directed to produce competent migrant workers who are ready for placement,” said Mukhtarudin.
From an economic perspective, increasing the competence and competitiveness of prospective migrant workers is expected to open opportunities for them to secure jobs that match their skills, resulting in better income and protection. The placement of skilled migrant workers through remittances, he added, can improve the welfare of migrant workers’ families and their home regions, while also increasing national foreign exchange reserves.
Ultimately, strengthening the quality and placement of skilled migrant workers through SMK Go Global, Mukhtarudin stated, is part of the larger goal of the Presidential directive.
“That is to build Indonesian human resources that are increasingly competent and competitive, while ensuring that overseas job opportunities can provide greater economic benefits for migrant workers, their families, and their home regions, and contribute to the national economy,” the Minister for P2MI concluded.