KUALA LUMPUR - The Indonesian government plans to give former migrant workers new opportunities by involving them in the management of village cooperatives.

The Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Migrant Workers Protection are working together to strengthen the Red and White Village Cooperatives and help returning workers build sustainable livelihoods.

Cooperatives are seen as a way to help former migrant workers use their overseas experience and income to support local economic growth, said Cooperatives Minister, Ferry Juliantono.

Ferry said many migrant workers have valuable skills and management abilities that can help develop local cooperatives and mentor others in their communities.

"With their international experience, former migrant workers can bring new business practices, networks, and a spirit of professionalism to the cooperatives. They can also become a driving force for village cooperatives.

"They can invest the money they earned while working abroad, in order to develop and benefit the local economy," Ferry said in a statement.

He also said that involving former migrant workers in cooperatives could expand the local economic base and strengthen business networks in villages.

Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Protection Minister Mukhtarudin said the cooperation between the two ministries is an important step to improve support for returning migrant workers.

He said the program will also use the existing cooperative network to deliver government programs that support financial literacy and economic empowerment.

Mukhtarudin added that many returning migrant workers face challenges in managing their money effectively after returning home.

"So, we want to join the established network of the Red and White Village Cooperatives to fill the available spaces for the empowerment of former migrant workers who return to Indonesia," he said.