KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia government will focus on deploying skilled migrant workers to Turkiye’s labor-intensive sectors, including tourism, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing, according to Antara.

Deputy Minister for Migrant Worker Protection Christina Aryani said the move aims to match the country’s labor demand while ensuring better job opportunities for Indonesians abroad.

"The current minimum wage in Turkiye is around USD650 (approximately Rp10.8 million).

“I believe that with enhanced skills, competence, and language proficiency, Indonesian migrant workers can earn above this standard," Aryani said in a press statement.

Aryani is set to visit Turkiye from October 27 to 29 2025, to strengthen cooperation in labor placement.

Citing data from Turkiye’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security, she said that in 2024, a total of 385,200 foreign workers received new work permits in Turkiye, with 8,930 of them coming from Indonesia.

She added that Indonesia is now the seventh-largest source of foreign labor in Turkiye, up from tenth place in 2023 when 5,607 Indonesians worked there, a 59.26% increase.

Aryani added that the rising numbers reflect stronger demand for workers, particularly in labor-intensive and non-formal sectors such as tourism, construction, and trade.

However, she stressed that Indonesia’s worker deployment will be based on skill and professionalism to ensure fair pay and decent working conditions.

She noted that domestic work remains the most vulnerable sector for rights violations, so the government will prioritize sending workers to formal and skilled industries.

During her visit, Aryani will meet with Turkiye’s Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security to discuss possible government-to-government (G2G) recruitment schemes and the alignment of Indonesia’s vocational training with Turkey’s labor market needs.

"Since 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Labour has existed between Indonesia and Turkiye," she said.

She said that the upcoming visit will be an important step to follow up on the MoU and strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in labor affairs.