RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is preparing a major push to expand opportunities for skilled migrant workers abroad, with Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar urging ambassadors to design detailed placement schemes for prospective recruits.

Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after a coordination meeting with Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin, Minister Muhaimin emphasized the need for each ambassador to report on recruitment readiness in their respective countries.

The directive aligns with the government’s plan to deploy graduates from the SMK Go Global program; an initiative aimed at equipping vocational school graduates with the skills to compete in international labor markets.

In the coming weeks, Minister Muhaimin and Minister Mukhtarudin will convene with Indonesian ambassadors to discuss placement prospects and preparations for sending graduates from both vocational and senior high schools overseas.

Starting April 2026, Indonesia plans to dispatch skilled workers to destinations including Japan, South Korea, Europe, the United States, and other countries, with job fields ranging from welding and hospitality to healthcare.

“Our target is at least 300,000 to 500,000 migrant workers. God willing, beginning in April, June, July, and September, we will be ready to send skilled labor to various countries,” Minister Muhaimin said.

He underscored the strong demand for Indonesian workers abroad, noting the attractive benefits on offer. “The market potential is very promising. Salaries are high, and social security and insurance are well-covered. These are opportunities we must seize,” he added. ***