"If managed properly, there are two benefits. First, it will create jobs and reduce unemployment. Second, it will generate significant income for the region," Minister of Migrant Workers Protection Abdul Kadir Karding elaborated here on Saturday.
Karding noted that Cirebon is one of the largest sources of migrant workers in the country, with around 70 thousand residents of Cirebon origin currently working abroad.
He remarked that in 2024 alone, some 11 thousand residents from Cirebon departed to work overseas.
The minister also highlighted the significant potential of remittances from migrant workers. If each worker sends Rp5 million per month to their families in Cirebon, total remittances from 11 thousand workers could reach Rp600 billion, or around US$36.4 million, annually.
“No other sector can contribute this much to the regional economy. That is why we need to prepare human resources in a structured and targeted way,” he emphasized.
Minister Karding proposed setting up a migrant worker training center tailored to the requirements of each destination country, such as South Korea or Japan.
He remarked that such a training center should provide a specialized curriculum, professional trainers, foreign language instructors, and skill certification.
“We should build a complete training ecosystem. Those aiming for domestic jobs receive one type of training, while those targeting overseas markets should be trained with specific modules from the destination country," he explained.
Karding also emphasized the importance of ensuring that migrant workers depart through legal channels, stating that cooperation among the police, village officials, and community leaders is necessary to educate the people about safer and legal processes to work abroad.
Related news: Indonesia seeks greater protection, prosperity for migrant workers
Related news: RI Govt promises help to family of migrant worker who died in Cambodia
Related news: Minister guarantees award to migrant worker for Korea fire rescue
Translator: Fathnur, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
