P2MI Minister Muktarudin underscored the importance of downstream intervention once migrant workers arrive back in Indonesia. One key effort, he noted, is providing financial literacy training both before their departure and while they are employed abroad.
“Many earn between Rp15 million and Rp20 million, yet around 70 to 80 percent is still spent on consumption. We teach them to be productive, save, and return with enough capital to start micro enterprises,” the minister said.
He added that most migrant workers are employed under contracts lasting one or two years, which often leaves them economically unprepared upon their return.
“For those whose contracts are not renewed, they return home. Empowerment remains a challenge. After a one-year contract, they come back and wait without clarity, putting them at risk of unemployment, falling back into poverty, or seeking work abroad again,” he said.
He stressed that financial literacy must also reach the workers’ families to ensure responsible and sustainable income management.
The government has coordinated with several ministries to provide coaching schemes. Former migrant workers planning to start businesses are supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, while those building export-oriented micro enterprises receive assistance from the Trade Ministry.
“We have two MoUs with the Trade Ministry and the MSME Ministry to ensure returning migrant workers receive immediate support,” he said.
Muktarudin reiterated that the government aims to prevent returning workers from slipping into unemployment.
He said empowerment programs will continue to be strengthened so former migrant workers can achieve economic independence and reduce the risk of returning to poverty.
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Translator: Asep, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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