KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia’s former Minister for Migrant Workers Protection, Abdul Kadir Karding, launched a Migrant Center at the Indonesian University of Education (UPI), Bandung, last August. 

The Migrant Center is designed as an integrated vocational ecosystem to prepare and protect Indonesians entering the global labor market.

Why does it matter? 

According to Karding, the center will provide skills training, language education, soft skills, financial literacy, national defense, and information services, making it the first collaboration between government and university resources.

“One of our main goals is to solve the problems caused by undocumented workers since many issues arise because people leave the country without proper registration.

"From now on, this Migrant Center will play a key role in improving governance and ensuring our workers are protected,” said Karding.

A joint effort with UPI

UPI Rector, Didi Sukyadi noted that the center represents the university’s commitment to supporting both migrant workers and its own graduates.

“UPI has over 50,000 students, we want them ready to compete globally, not just locally. This center is part of that vision,” Sukyadi said.

A growing demand for workers overseas

Karding added, timing of the center’s opening matches a rising demand for Indonesian workers overseas.

"For example, Japan plans to open 639,000 jobs by 2025 with a preference for Indonesian workers. 

"So, this is a chance we must seize by preparing the right talent," he says.

He also said that UPI will expand foreign language programs and offer international certifications, including Korean language testing, to help students qualify for overseas jobs.

Future Plan

The Migrant Center is also expected to become a model of how the government and universities can work together to strengthen Indonesia’s workforce.

For both the government and UPI, the new center is not just about sending more people abroad, it's about making sure they are ready, skilled, and safe.