"Usually remittances would rise sharply in the month of Ramadhan and ahead of Lebaran. It would be seen from big transfers of money to the home regions of migrant workers," Manpower Minister Muhaimin Iskandar said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s Manpower Minister Muhaimin Iskandar estimated remittances from migrant workers during the current fasting month and ahead of the post-fasting holiday of Lebaran this year could reach Rp15 trillion.
"Usually remittances would rise sharply in the month of Ramadhan and ahead of Lebaran. It would be seen from big transfers of money to the home regions of migrant workers," he said here on Friday.
Actually remittances outside Ramadhan and Lebaran have also been quite big but they usually would rise sharply ahead of Lebaran, he said.
"Some workers send money through banks while others non-bank financial institutions. Many others send by entrusting it to fellow workers who return home," he said.
The minister hoped families of the workers would use the money for productive activities and only for important purposes.
They must "use the money wisely and not use it for consumptive purposes. It should be used for productive things or business," he said.
Muhaimin hoped the money would help move village community economic activities.
"Consumptive usage would only increase economic activities temporarily. It will be different if the money is invested in business sectors that could create jobs such as in agriculture, plantation or trade," he said.
He deplored the use of the money for buying items such as motorcycles, electronic goods or improving houses.
He said his office had conducted counseling and skill training in workers-sending centers to change their consumptive attitude, such as training in entrepreneurship and car repair.
Remittances from migrant workers in various countries are estimated to reach Rp100 trillion a year. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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