Semarang - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) believes that strong synergy between Kadin, associations, the government, and all relevant stakeholders in the fields of internships and migrant workers will be key to meeting the growing demand for overseas labor, including the ambitious target of sending up to one million Indonesian migrant workers to Japan.

This statement was made by Taufan Eko Nugroho, Vice Chairman for Organizational Affairs at Kadin Indonesia, during the departure ceremony of 1,200 internship participants heading to Japan, held at the Shamrock Hotel, Semarang, Central Java, on Friday (May 9, 2025).

The ceremony was also attended by Indonesia's Minister of Manpower Yassierli, Governor of Central Java Commissioner General (Ret.) Ahmad Luthfi, Chairman of the Association of Overseas Internship Organizers (AP2LN) Firman Budiyanto, and Chairman of Kadin Central Java Harry Nuryanto Soediro.

“Japan alone has a potential demand of 300,000 workers per year. With full synergy between the private sector, government, associations, and Kadin itself—both domestically and internationally—we are optimistic that we can negotiate a target of up to one million Indonesian workers annually over the next five years,” Taufan explained.

He emphasized that the program aligns with national efforts to reduce unemployment and expand labor market absorption. “This is one of the ways we can balance things. While layoffs are currently a pressing issue, we’ve also heard from the Minister of Manpower that job absorption has increased significantly in recent months.”

“One of the solutions is to send our younger generation abroad to work in fields that match their skills. Today, Kadin is working with AP2LN, and we are also pursuing opportunities in other countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and more,” Taufan added.

He noted that overseas internships offer not only skill development but also broader exposure to positive cultural values, which participants can later bring back and apply in Indonesia.

Taufan also highlighted that this initiative is part of Kadin’s implementation of its four “Quick Wins” programs designed to support the government: Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) through mutual cooperation, Free Health Checkups (PKG), Affordable Housing Development, and Empowerment of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) through mutual cooperation.

“This initiative is also driven by the strong encouragement of Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie, who has been actively promoting these four Quick Wins. We deeply appreciate the government and associations involved in this field,” said Taufan.

He also emphasized Kadin’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant associations such as AP2LN and regional Kadin offices in Central Java and other provinces with strong track records in preparing students or workers for overseas internships and employment.

“There’s tremendous potential across regions. In Semarang and Central Java, for example, we’ve heard that even elementary school students are already aspiring to work abroad. That’s why we invite everyone to collaborate with us at Kadin, along with associations like AP2LN, to help these young people realize their dreams of working overseas,” Taufan stated.

At the same event, AP2LN Chairman Firman Budiyanto explained that the main goal of the internship program is to train and enhance the skills of participants.

“Most of these interns are high school graduates. The program aims to improve their competitiveness, especially considering the intense labor competition expected in Southeast Asia in the near future. This program is designed specifically to upgrade the skills and quality of Indonesian workers,” he said.

Firman noted that the internship program currently focuses on at least 14 occupational fields, with the main sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and nursing.

“These sectors are seeing the highest demand for internships right now. Meanwhile, in the broader labor market, the demand extends even further—drivers, for example, are now starting to be recruited as well,” he concluded.