Govt Seeks to Upgrade Indonesian Migrant Workers for Global Labor Market

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is seeking to transform the profile of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) so that they are no longer predominantly employed in low-skilled jobs. The effort is being carried out through the SMK Go Global program, which was officially launched on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Minister of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, said the government aims to improve the quality of Indonesian migrant workers so they can meet labor demands in formal and professional sectors across various countries.

He said the shift is necessary as several countries face growing demand for skilled workers amid shortages of people of working age. At the same time, Indonesia has a large productive-age population.

“We need to rebrand migrant workers and move them up the ladder. They should no longer be limited to lower-skilled jobs, but should move into medium- and high-skilled positions,” Mukhtarudin said .

Mukhtarudin said the government is currently opening opportunities for the placement of skilled Indonesian migrant workers in several countries, including Japan, Germany, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, and countries across Europe.

“We are preparing skilled workers to fill job vacancies overseas, particularly in formal and professional sectors,” the Minister said.

He said Indonesia's demographic bonus presents an opportunity to meet labor demand in countries that are increasingly experiencing population aging. Therefore, skills development and language proficiency are important components in preparing prospective migrant workers.

Through the SMK Go Global program, the government aims to prepare 500,000 skilled Indonesian migrant workers by 2029. Participants will receive technical training, language skills, professional certification, and an understanding of workplace culture before being placed in their destination countries.