Indonesian Envoy Pushes Jobs, Worker Protection in Japan

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Nurmala Kartini Pandjaitan Sjahrir is pushing for broader employment opportunities for Indonesian human resources in Japan. At the same time, she stressed the importance of strengthening placement and protection systems for Indonesians working or taking part in internship programs in the country.

The issue was discussed during Ambassador Kartini’s meetings with Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin and Manpower Minister Yassierli during her working visit to Indonesia on Monday, August 24, 2026.

During her meeting with the P2MI Minister, discussions covered efforts to optimize employment opportunities in Japan, improve the accuracy and integration of Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) data, and update the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) placement scheme.

Strengthening the migrant worker database is considered important because PMI data serves as a basis for the government in formulating policies and identifying more targeted job placement opportunities. Meanwhile, updates to the SSW scheme are needed to ensure that Indonesian workers are better prepared to meet demand for skilled workers across various sectors in Japan.

“We want to ensure that the growing job opportunities in Japan can be matched by Indonesian human resources who are increasingly prepared and qualified, along with better placement and protection systems,” Ambassador Kartini said, as quoted from an official statement on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin also reaffirmed his commitment to continuously improve the migrant worker placement system while enhancing the capacity and competence of Indonesian human resources. The effort is expected to better prepare Indonesian migrant workers to seize employment opportunities in sectors requiring skilled labor, not only in Japan but also in the global labor market.

Meanwhile, during her meeting with Manpower Minister Yassierli, discussions focused more on improving the quality of Indonesian workers who will enter the Japanese labor market.

The two sides also discussed strengthening protection for participants in the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP). Such protection includes ensuring participants are adequately prepared before departure, receive proper training, and are provided with assistance while taking part in the program in Japan.

Ambassador Kartini said Indonesian workers heading to Japan need more than just technical skills. Japanese language proficiency, an understanding of workplace culture and ethics, as well as knowledge of the rules and regulations in Japan, are also essential.

“We need to ensure that Indonesian workers departing for Japan not only have technical skills, but are also prepared in terms of language, understanding of workplace culture, and knowledge of the rules and regulations in Japan. With such preparation, they can adapt well, work professionally, and at the same time uphold Indonesia’s good reputation,” Ambassador Kartini said.

The meetings also discussed strengthening training and certification programs in line with industry needs and competency standards in Japan. Cooperation between training institutions in Indonesia and Japanese partners is considered important and should continue to be developed so that Indonesian workers have the competencies required in priority sectors.

Improving the preparedness of internship participants was also highlighted. With adequate preparation before departure, participants are expected to be better equipped to adapt and successfully complete their programs while in Japan.