JAKARTA - Indonesia is exploring opportunities to expand the deployment of its migrant workers to Suriname and Guyana, particularly in the forestry, manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas sectors.

Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Christina Aryani said the potential expansion was discussed during an online meeting with Indonesia’s ambassador to Suriname, Guyana and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Agus Priono, on Friday.

“We want to open up more placement opportunities in Suriname and Guyana, including obtaining information on labour, migration and quota policies, if any,” she said, as reported by Antara.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Christina said current placements to both countries remain limited and are largely carried out through individual, self-arranged schemes.

“The types of jobs include machine operators and mechanics in the timber sector, and the numbers remain relatively small,” she said.

She said the government is committed to following up on the identified opportunities through concrete steps to ensure cooperation can be realised.

“We want to emphasise that Indonesia is serious about following up on the opportunities available. The Ministry of P2MI is ready to begin discussions through initial online meetings with employers in both countries,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Agus Priono said Suriname and Guyana are opening up significant opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers, particularly in the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.

“Suriname and Guyana currently offer significant opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers, particularly in the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector,” he said.

He added that other industries are also seeking Indonesian labour.

“Other sectors, such as healthcare, technical specialists, construction, mining and others, in both Suriname and Guyana also require Indonesian migrant workers,” he said.

Agus said government-to-government cooperation would be key to ensuring that the placement of Indonesian migrant workers in both countries is safe, structured and of high quality.