Indonesian Govt–JICA Improves Quality of Indonesian Workers in Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), enhance the quality and protection of Indonesian workers employed in Japan. These efforts include improving training facilities, enhancing instructor capacity, and aligning workers' skills with industry needs.

This strengthened cooperation was highlighted during the closing seminar for the 2023–2026 JICA–Ministry of Manpower program in Jakarta on Monday, August 24, 2026. The forum reviewed past achievements and formulated strategies for the sustainable preparation of Indonesian migrant workers.

Improving competencies has become urgent as the number of participants in internship programs and specified skilled worker roles in Japan has surged. Data from the Ministry of Manpower shows that the number of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program participants jumped from 12,634 in 2022 to 86,955 in 2025.

To support this growth, the government has upgraded vocational training facilities and trained hundreds of instructors in Japanese language and workplace culture. Prospective workers are also provided with guidance on work ethics and migration procedures across nine regions.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Manpower Cris Kuntadi emphasized the importance of shifting the primary focus away from placement numbers. He stressed that the priority must be providing comprehensive protection for workers.

“The success of this collaboration should not be measured solely by statistical figures on job placements. What is most important is shifting the paradigm from mere job placement to a human resource development partnership that provides comprehensive protection,” Cris said.

The evaluation of the 2023–2026 program will serve as a foundation for aligning training curricula with the needs of industries across various Japanese prefectures. The government remains optimistic that this synergy will strengthen strategic ties and bring tangible benefits to both countries.