Indonesian migrant workers make a big contribution to the country in terms of foreign exchange, Fauziyah said while opening the Attachés, Technical Staff, and Heads of the Manpower Division Coordination Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, according to a statement released the same day.
Therefore, the government deems it necessary to provide the best protection for migrant workers.
She added that the placement of migrant workers abroad can help reduce the number of unemployed in Indonesia.
The minister affirmed that the government has continued to make efforts to reduce the unemployment rate since Indonesia is experiencing a demographic dividend, with its population dominated by people from the working age group.
She noted that the working-age population will be productive if jobs are provided, both within the country and abroad.
She explained that creating job opportunities abroad is necessary because many countries are currently facing an aging population.
"This is a golden opportunity; we are not only encouraging opportunities to get jobs from within the country, but also from other countries," she added.
She said that many countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, want Indonesian workers. This, according to her, is a good opportunity for achieving more Indonesian migrant worker placements abroad.
"The most effective way for us to suppress unemployment is to seize this golden opportunity," she remarked.
She also emphasized that preparations, such as enhancing the competence of Indonesian migrant workers to meet destination countries' requirements, are necessary to fully utilize this golden opportunity.
"Then, (we must) ensure the placement process is carried out well, making job orders to be obtained more easily. This is work at home and abroad," she added.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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