Jakarta – The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in collaboration with the Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (P2MI) officially dispatched 112 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) to various destination countries as part of the PMI Mutual Cooperation program by Kadin Indonesia at the Kadin Tower, South Jakarta, on Sunday (June 15, 2025).

This initiative is part of the target to place 5,000 PMIs, representing a concrete effort by Kadin Indonesia to address national employment challenges.

Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, stated that this initiative reflects a strong synergy between the government and the business sector.

“The cooperation between the government (Ministry of P2MI) and Kadin is very close. The benefits are already significant, ranging from regional empowerment, economic growth, to human resources development. Not only are workers skilled and competent, but also successful in their placements,” said Anin, his familiar nickname.

Anin emphasized that Kadin’s focus is not only on trade and investment but also on ensuring migrant workers receive maximum support in their overseas placements.

The PMIs dispatched this time will work in various countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Germany, Slovakia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica.

“Kadin is going global. We want these foreign exchange heroes to spread Indonesia’s potential. Hopefully, they will even become entrepreneurs upon returning home,” Anin added.

Anin also highlighted four quick wins from Kadin contributing to national development: the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Mutual Cooperation program, PMI Mutual Cooperation, Affordable Housing Provision Mutual Cooperation, and Free Health Checkup Services Mutual Cooperation.

“We aim to contribute a thousand from the 30,000 MBG kitchens. If one kitchen employs 47 people, that means creating 47,000 jobs. This is a concrete step,” Anin explained.

Meanwhile, Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Vice Chairman Coordinator for Human Development, Culture, and Sustainable Development at Kadin Indonesia, added that the PMI dispatch is not merely ceremonial but part of a national strategic agenda.

“This is not only the beginning of a journey for migrant workers but also a national momentum to strengthen an inclusive, competitive, and equitable global employment ecosystem,” said Shinta.

According to Shinta, PMIs are national assets supporting the economy through remittances. She noted that in 2024, remittance values exceeded 15 billion USD.

Furthermore, Nofel Saleh Hilabi, Vice Chairman for Migrant Worker Protection at Kadin Indonesia, described the dispatch as a demonstration of Kadin’s commitment to making PMIs an integral part of the service export industry.

“The clear objectives are to reduce unemployment, improve competencies, and boost local and national economic growth. This cannot be done alone; it requires mutual cooperation,” Nofel stated.

Meanwhile, Minister of P2MI, Abdul Kadir Karding, emphasized the two main mandates of his ministry: protection and foreign exchange enhancement.

“The key is to prevent non-procedural departures. If the departure is legal and procedural, it will be safe, God willing,” Karding said.

He highlighted Indonesia’s demographic bonus that must be well-managed. In a situation where investment tends to be capital-intensive and layoffs are increasing, sending PMIs abroad is a strategic solution.

“Countries like Japan and European nations face labor crises due to aging populations. Indonesia has a demographic bonus, and this must be utilized,” he stressed.

One of the PMIs dispatched, Anugrah Budi Caksono (26) from Bekasi, West Java, expressed appreciation for this program.

He will work as a forklift operator in Slovakia for two years after receiving training and certification.

“I want to earn a decent income while enriching my experience and portfolio. Thanks to Kadin and the Ministry (P2MI) for appreciating and protecting us,” said Anugrah, who is scheduled to depart for Slovakia in August 2025.

For information, the dispatch of 112 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) by Kadin Indonesia in cooperation with the Ministry of P2MI RI is part of Kadin’s Quick Win program titled PMI Mutual Cooperation. This program is built upon four main pillars:

Placement Access:

Providing official channels for PMIs with various skills. Currently, dispatched workers include 14 skill types such as Chef, Formwork Carpenter, Construction Worker, Cook, Interior Finisher, Metal Press Operator, Nurse Specialist, Manufacturer, Painter, Soil Excavation Worker, Cattle Farming, Hospitality, and Assembly Line workers. They will be placed in eight destination countries: Taiwan, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Turkey, Japan, and the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Foreign Exchange Enhancement:

Encouraging remittance contributions to boost the national foreign exchange balance. In 2024, remittances from PMIs amounted to over 15 billion USD, a significant strength supporting Indonesia’s economic growth.

Unemployment Reduction:

Absorbing skilled unemployed labor to become productive again. This also reduces social burdens and domestic economic pressures, while providing new opportunities amid limited local job availability.

Human Resource Capacity Building and PMI Protection:

PMIs are prepared through internationally certified training and receive ongoing mentoring. Additionally, legal, social, and health protections are integral parts of the placement process.

The dispatch event was also attended by Kadin Indonesia’s leadership, including Vice Chairpersons Coordinator for Human Development, Culture, and Sustainable Development Shinta Widjaja Kamdani; Vice Chairperson for Social Affairs Dyah Anita Prihapsari (Nita Yudi); Vice Chairperson for Export Development Juan Permata Adoe; Vice Chairperson for Food Sector Mulyadi Jayabaya; Vice Chairperson for Organization Taufan Eko Nugroho Rotorasiko; Vice Chairperson for Association/Extraordinary Member Development Benny Soetrisno; and Vice Chairperson for Cooperation on Technical and Industrial HR Development Innsanul Kamil.

Also present were Chairpersons of Kadin Provincial Chapters, including DKI Jakarta’s Diana Dewi; West Sumatra’s Buchari Bachter; Aceh’s Muhammad Iqbal Piyeung; West Nusa Tenggara’s Faurani; and Central Sulawesi’s Nur Rahmatu.