KUALA LUMPUR - The Indonesian Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI) discussed draft criteria for vocational education and training institutions for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Jakarta, last Monday.

The meeting marks the next step in aligning vocational standards to ensure prospective migrant workers are prepared to meet global labor market demands.

Director of Vocational Institutional Development for PMI, Abri Danar Prabawa said the forum delved deeper into technical discussions following previous meetings.

He emphasized the need for uniform guidelines so vocational institutions can produce skilled workers who meet the requirements of destination countries.

"With clear and standardized criteria, the preparation of prospective migrant workers can be carried out more effectively, professionally, and in line with global demands. 

“This ultimately improves welfare and protection for migrant workers," Abri said.

During the FGD, KP2MI highlighted seven main sectors for workforce placement: manufacturing, construction, healthcare, transportation, hospitality, fisheries and maritime, and agriculture and livestock.

Director General of Promotion and Utilization of Overseas Employment Opportunities, Dwi Setiawan Susanto added that the discussions have entered a crucial technical phase to ensure inter-ministerial alignment in building a comprehensive vocational ecosystem for PMI.

"At this stage, we are entering a more technical phase. Therefore, we request input from all of you. Each ministry or agency will provide content within its authority," Dwi said.

The FGD served as a platform for ministries and agencies to review the proposed standards for vocational institutions, including competency standards, instructor qualifications, supporting facilities, and certification mechanisms.

KP2MI is also preparing a comprehensive guideline for training institutions, vocational high schools (SMK), public training centers (BLK), and other vocational institutions that aim to meet qualifications for preparing prospective migrant workers.

The guidelines will cover teacher standards, infrastructure quality, teaching methods, and requirements set by destination countries.

The technical discussions involved 12 ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Education and Technology, Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Education.

They also included the Ministry of Communication and Information, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry, and the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP).