KUALA LUMPUR - RRI reported, Indonesia plans to train 500,000 skilled migrant workers through a new partnership between the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI) and the Indonesian Business Council (IBC) at the ministry office in Jakarta, last Friday.

P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin said the collaboration will focus on developing large-scale vocational programs in areas like welding, hospitality, nursing, and other technical fields to boost the competitiveness of Indonesian workers abroad.

“This meeting with IBC is a timely opportunity to strengthen both our systems and governance,” Mukhtarudin said during a discussion with IBC Chief Executive Officer Sofyan A. Djalil.

The meeting follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to improve protection for Indonesian migrant workers and enhance their skills for global opportunities.

Earlier, President Prabowo launched a national training program targeting 500,000 skilled workers for overseas deployment, with a focus on the welding and hospitality sectors.

To fund the initiative, the government has set aside Rp15 trillion (around USD960 million), which is expected to generate up to Rp90 trillion in foreign exchange earnings.

“This investment is expected to generate up to Rp90 trillion in foreign exchange earnings,” he said.

He explained that P2MI will take the lead in building an integrated system that connects training, recruitment, and deployment of skilled migrant workers.

The ministry is seeking to work closely with IBC to expand the scope and quality of vocational training programs for prospective overseas workers.

Mukhtarudin also mentioned that the government is revising Law No. 18/2017 on the Protection of Migrant Workers and hopes the process will be completed soon.

He also added that stronger collaboration among ministries is part of his quick-win strategy to speed up vocational training in line with President Prabowo’s goals.

“Hopefully, the revision will be discussed and finalized during this session.

“We want to build a robust system. I have studied the Philippines, and their high remittance levels show the importance of vocational training in harnessing demographic potential and creating productive labor,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sending highly qualified workers overseas and improving their welfare.

Mukhtarudin said the ministry is developing a grand design for migrant worker protection to ensure better working conditions and greater contributions to the national economy through remittances.

Sofyan expressed full support for the partnership, saying it aligns with the government’s efforts to address rising unemployment in urban areas.

“Urban unemployment is rising. This is one of the issues we’re addressing, and it aligns with the Minister’s vision and current government policy,” Sofyan said.

He said closer cooperation between IBC and P2MI will help mobilize more Indonesian workers abroad, especially ahead of International Migrants Day on December 18.

IBC also pledged to support the 500,000 worker training goal through policy advocacy and technical collaboration.