Government Enhances the Quality of Indonesian Migrant Workers to Meet Global Workforce Qualifications
Jakarta — The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (KemenP2MI), along with various stakeholders, has established optimizing the quality and qualifications of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) as a key strategy to boost global competitiveness and increase national foreign exchange earnings.
Minister of P2MI Abdul Kadir Karding stated that the government targets placing up to 400,000 PMIs abroad in 2025, a significant increase from approximately 297,434 placements in 2024, amid an estimated demand for 1.5 million workers in various countries.
“Indonesia’s demographic bonus needs to be managed properly. One way is to improve PMI competencies—not just sending many workers, but sending those with qualifications that meet global demands,” he said.
To support this goal, the government is strengthening collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud), Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikaf), Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker), State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), and private institutions to align vocational education with the needs of destination countries. As part of the “migrant class” scheme, the curricula of vocational high schools (SMK) and training institutes will be adjusted to include the technical skills and languages of target countries such as Japan, Turkey, or the European Union.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, who emphasized the importance of shifting focus from unskilled workers to skilled and middle-skilled PMIs.
According to him, this balance will reduce dependence on low-competency labor. Minister Karding also explained that language and skills training is one of the most costly elements in preparing prospective PMIs.
Additionally, the government is expanding integrated training networks and vocational education in regional areas. For example, collaboration in Lampung aims to produce between 20,000 and 30,000 PMIs annually through vocational and SMK-based “migrant classes.” This initiative is designed to prepare PMIs ready for employment according to industry and partner country needs.
As part of protection and emergency response efforts, KemenP2MI is also strengthening partnerships with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). A memorandum of understanding signed on May 27, 2025, with PMI Chair Jusuf Kalla expands protection services to include emergency conditions, psychosocial support, and assistance in areas beyond the reach of labor attachés.
Minister Karding stated that PMI has a long history of humanitarian solidarity and a global network.
“Their presence on the ground is essential when our PMIs face challenges beyond the reach of attachés or representatives,” he explained.
The government’s comprehensive efforts to improve the quality of Indonesian Migrant Workers deserve appreciation as a strategic move that not only strengthens Indonesia’s labor position in the global market but also guarantees better protection and welfare for PMIs and their families.
The commitment to building a legal placement system, standardized training, and cross-agency collaboration demonstrates the government’s seriousness in positioning PMIs as a national asset—not merely as foreign exchange contributors.
