RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, explained the significant impact of migrant workers on the economy. This was conveyed in a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

This economic growth occurs through remittances, which is money sent home by people working abroad. In 2024, the amount of money entering the country reached 253 trillion rupiah or 15,09 billion USD.

This amount continued to increase significantly the following year. In 2025, the total money transferred rose to approximately 288 trillion rupiah or around 17,18 billion USD.

“To update you on 2024, from 253,000 placements, which includes some accumulation from the previous year, remittances entering our country amounted to 253 trillion rupiah, according to Bank Indonesia data. In 2025, that data shows an increase of 14%,” he said.

Minister Mukhtarudin emphasized the importance of this money because it directly helps people with lower incomes. This helps boost family purchasing power and revive businesses in rural areas.

Mukhtarudin added, “The benefit of these remittances is that they stimulate the economy at the grassroots level. This means they improve people's purchasing power, grow small businesses, and support the family economy. The money goes directly to the community.”

The government is currently preparing the “SMK Go Global” program for migrant workers. Mukhtarudin met with the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, to discuss these plans. The two plan to meet with several ambassadors soon to discuss job placement details in depth.

The government's goal is to send up to 500,000 skilled workers abroad. Destination countries include Japan, South Korea, and several nations in Europe and the Americas. The available jobs offer high salaries with two-to-three-year contracts. These work contracts can also be extended based on the specific agreements made.