Indonesia Targets Rp 500 Trillion in Annual Remittances from Migrant Workers, Minister Says

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id – Indonesia could boost its annual foreign exchange earnings from migrant workers to Rp 500 trillion ($30.6 billion), up from Rp 243.3 trillion ($14.9 billion) in 2024, according to Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Abdul Kadir Karding.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony for Indonesian migrant workers at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) headquarters in Jakarta on Sunday, June 15, 2025, Karding said the labor diaspora not only contributes foreign exchange, but also serves as a solution to rising unemployment, poverty, and regional disparities.

“If our migrant workers are called foreign exchange heroes, that’s no exaggeration. With better skills and more structured deployment, I’m confident remittances can reach Rp 500 trillion a year,” Karding said.

Government-Private Sector Push for Vocational Training

Karding proposed a public-private partnership involving Kadin, local governments, and other institutions to invest in integrated vocational training centers for migrant workers. These centers would offer not only skills training but also language instruction, mental health preparation, certification, healthcare, and administrative support.

“We want to make services integrated and affordable. If necessary, we’ll provide financing for workers,” he added.

The government is also preparing land for these centers. Karding noted that several regions have already stepped up: the city of Palu has offered 2 hectares, Padang Pariaman has committed land based on program needs, and the North Sumatra provincial government has allocated 18 hectares.

Karding emphasized that the government would simplify processes for companies interested in establishing training centers and for workers preparing to go abroad. “If needed, I will establish a dedicated team to streamline procedures,” he said.

Kadin’s Role in Expanding Labor Opportunities Abroad

Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting migrant workers.

“Kadin isn’t just about business advocacy. We are here to help create jobs and ensure our foreign exchange heroes can go global,” he said during the same event.

The send-off event was part of the “Quick Win” initiative under Kadin’s Gotong Royong Program for Indonesian Migrant Workers, aimed at accelerating workforce deployment and improving international labor cooperation.