KUALA LUMPUR - The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Tokyo, together with the Employment Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan), organised a dialogue on Sunday to raise awareness among Indonesian migrant workers about employment social security in Japan.

Coordinator for Protocol and Consular Affairs at KBRI Tokyo, Dara Yusilawati, said she hoped Indonesian interns would benefit from BPJS programs as protection during their work.

“At present, there are more than 180,000 Indonesian migrant workers in Japan, consisting of around 110,000 interns and 69,000 Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) employees.

“Interns are also workers who are entitled to labor rights and are vulnerable to workplace accidents. We hope they can benefit from BPJS Ketenagakerjaan,” she said.

The dialogue highlighted BPJS Ketenagakerjaan facilities and benefits, including registration and claims processes, to ensure workers can access their rights.

Director of Services at BPJS, Roswita Nilakurnia, explained that the agency protects migrant workers before departure, during employment, and after returning home.

“BPJS Ketenagakerjaan was established by the government to protect Indonesian migrant workers to demonstrate the state’s presence,” she said.

The protection includes work accident insurance and death benefits, with contributions around Rp332,500 for 24 months, and an Old-Age Security program for workers.

The event was attended by members of the Indonesian Interns and Tokutei Gino Association in Japan (IPTIJ), who welcomed the initiative.

“This activity provides a more comprehensive understanding of employment protection for Indonesian migrant workers and motivates IPTIJ to continue playing an active role in supporting their welfare,” said IPTIJ Chairman Fahrul Sabbikhis.

Earlier on Friday, KBRI Tokyo also arranged a meeting between BPJS and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to discuss social security cooperation for Indonesian migrant workers.