Indonesia Collaborates with Japan to Boost Workforce Skills

RRI.CO.ID, Tokyo – The Ministry of Manpower is exploring a partnership with Japan to prepare Indonesian workers with skills tailored to the Japanese job market. This initiative is part of the groundwork for the Indonesia-Japan Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP), which is currently under discussion.

Expected to launch in Japan by April 2027, the program aims to give Indonesian workers a valuable opportunity to build practical skills while gaining hands-on work experience abroad. To support these preparations, Ministry of Manpower Secretary-General, Cris Kuntadi, visited the headquarters of AIDEM Inc. in Tokyo on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

During the visit, officials discussed key Japanese sectors that require foreign labor, including candidates from Indonesia. This information will help the ministry design targeted training programs for future ESDP participants before they move to Japan.

Kuntadi highlighted that the ESDP serves as a major stepping stone for boosting the capabilities of the Indonesian workforce.

“We view the ESDP implementation as a key opportunity to upgrade the quality of Indonesian human resources, particularly through direct work experience, technical training, and exposure to Japanese technology and work culture,” he said.

AIDEM Inc. is a private firm specializing in job market data for both local Japanese residents and foreign nationals. As a result of the meeting, AIDEM Inc. may support the project by supplying real-time job listings and employer demands, which will help guide how candidates are prepared in Indonesia.

“We believe AIDEM’s extensive network can provide critical job vacancy data, helping us effectively bridge the gap between Japanese corporate needs and Indonesian ESDP candidates,” Kuntadi added.

Through this strategic collaboration, the Ministry of Manpower remains committed to equipping Indonesian workers with industry-ready skills. Ultimately, this effort is expected to open new career pathways while strengthening competencies that align with today's global job market.