KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia's Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI) has strengthened cooperation with the National Development Planning Ministry (Bappenas) to improve migrant worker protection and prepare more skilled workers for overseas employment.
The strategic meeting focused on expanding protection measures for Indonesian migrant workers while strengthening workforce competencies to meet growing international labour market demand.
KP2MI Minister Mukhtarudin attended the meeting alongside senior ministry officials, while National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy was accompanied by key officials from Bappenas.
Mukhtarudin said data from the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Computerised System (Siskop2MI) as of May 25 this year showed more than 314,000 job opportunities were available in 10 major destination countries, including positions in the healthcare sector.
He said only about 24% of those vacancies had been filled so far.
“This means there is a gap of 76% that remains unfilled. This is both a challenge and a huge opportunity.
“Demand from overseas is very high, but it requires specific competencies, both in terms of skills and language proficiency,” said Mukhtarudin.
He said the figures showed a mismatch between the skills of vocational and university graduates in Indonesia and the needs of the global job market.
To address the issue, the ministry has partnered with 12 ministries and agencies that provide vocational training and education programmes.
One of the key initiatives is the development of Migrant Centres at universities to help prepare students for overseas employment opportunities.
Mukhtarudin said 12 universities have already launched the centres, while another 15 institutions are preparing to implement the programme.
He added that topics such as safe migration, foreign language proficiency and global skills are also being introduced through school activities without changing the national curriculum.
The ministry is also working with the Social Affairs Ministry through the People's School programme to expand vocational training opportunities for low-income communities.
Mukhtarudin said strengthening migrant worker protection at every stage of the migration process remains a key government priority under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto.
He said efforts also include combating human trafficking and illegal recruitment practices.
Mukhtarudin noted that Indonesia continues to receive reports of migrant workers being deported from Malaysia almost every week, mainly due to documentation issues and legal offences.
He said the government has strengthened the role of 23 Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service Centres (BP3MI) and shelters in border areas such as Nunukan, Batam and Pontianak.
The facilities are used to assist returning migrant workers through repatriation, counselling and support services.
On economic empowerment, Mukhtarudin said the Golden Migrant Village programme has expanded to about 669 villages across Indonesia.
The programme aims to improve financial literacy among migrant workers and their families so that remittances can be used for productive investments.
The government is also working with the Ministry of MSMEs and the Trade Ministry to provide entrepreneurship training for former migrant workers.
Mukhtarudin highlighted the Quick Win Global Vocational School programme as one of the government's flagship initiatives to prepare workers for international job opportunities.
The programme follows a train, certify and place approach for vocational school graduates and members of the public seeking to improve their skills.
“The initial target for 2026 is projected to reach 80,000 participants. Implementation will continue to be adjusted according to the government's budget readiness,” Mukhtarudin said.
He expressed hope that Bappenas would support the programme through strategic planning and funding assistance.
Mukhtarudin said stronger support would help the ministry contribute not only to migrant worker protection but also to reducing unemployment nationwide.
Responding to the presentation, Rachmat praised the ministry's long-term plans and strategic roadmap for migrant worker development.
He said the programmes reflected a comprehensive approach that aligned with President Prabowo's vision of improving the quality of Indonesia's human capital.
Rachmat said strengthening protection before departure, during employment overseas and after workers return home was the right approach.
“What Mr Mukhtarudin has presented is in line with the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution. We must remember that every citizen living abroad is an ambassador of Indonesia,” said Rachmat.
He said Indonesians working overseas represent the country's image and reputation on the global stage.
“Therefore, migrant workers must not only be protected, but their appearance and capabilities must also reflect the very best qualities of Indonesians,” he added.
Rachmat also reaffirmed Bappenas' commitment to supporting the ministry's programmes through development planning and budget allocation.
He said initiatives such as the Migrant Centre, vocational education integration and the Quick Win Global Vocational School programme have strong potential to improve public welfare if implemented consistently.
“We at Bappenas, in the spirit of achieving even stronger cooperation, will certainly provide our support,” said Rachmat.
He said one of Bappenas' key responsibilities is ensuring government programmes deliver meaningful benefits to the public.
“We believe that good planning, when executed properly, will bring meaningful benefits to all members of society,” he said.
