Kadin to Develop Upskilling Program Prototype for Indonesian Migrant Workers

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is set to develop a prototype training and certification program to enhance the skills of migrant workers before they depart for overseas employment. This initiative aims to support the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI) in addressing the longstanding challenge of Indonesian workers having lower competency levels compared to their counterparts from other countries.

Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie announced this initiative during a meeting with Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Abdul Kadir Karding at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.

Aiming to Boost Placement and Remittances

“There is currently a backlog of 1.3 million migrant worker placements. Imagine if we could improve this figure—remittances would also increase,” Anindya, known as Anin, stated. “We are eager to learn and collaborate to develop this prototype program. If possible, we aim to finalize it before Aug. 17,” he added.

Anin emphasized the importance of a digital system for tracking migrant workers to address the issue of undocumented and non-procedural employment. He reiterated Kadin’s commitment to supporting the government’s upskilling and reskilling efforts, ensuring workers are better prepared for overseas jobs.

Under this collaboration, Kadin Indonesia will assist P2MI in designing competency-based training programs, providing mentorship, and issuing professional certifications for migrant workers. The goal is to create a workforce that is more skilled, professional, and competitive, thereby improving their employment prospects and wages in global labor markets.

Strengthening Digital Data for Migrant Workers

Anin also proposed that Kadin Indonesia play a role in digitizing migrant worker data collection. By providing the government with comprehensive records on worker placements and employment activities, the system aims to curb illegal migration and ensure that Indonesian workers are properly documented.

“Implementing a digital system is crucial in combating illegal employment. Many of our members in Kadin are well-versed in information technology, and we want to contribute to this effort,” Anin said.

Looking ahead, Anin expressed hope that Kadin Indonesia could be included in government-led international visits to facilitate CEO forums and business matchmaking with foreign enterprises. These engagements could lead to cross-border partnerships and generate employment opportunities for Indonesian workers.

P2MI and Kadin to Sign MoU for Workforce Development

Minister Abdul Kadir Karding welcomed Kadin’s involvement and agreed to formalize the partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to resolve key issues facing Indonesian migrant workers abroad and to create a sustainable employment framework.

“There are many shared objectives between Kadin and our ministry, particularly in finding solutions for job creation,” Karding stated after the meeting with Kadin.

Beyond job creation, Karding highlighted the broader goal of improving human resource quality and empowerment for Indonesian workers. He noted that 80% of Indonesia’s overseas workforce is employed in domestic work, underscoring the need for skill diversification to enhance placement opportunities.

“We have reached an agreement on several points, and both parties have formed teams to finalize the MoU. By August, we expect to have the prototype completed and a concrete plan in place,” Karding concluded.