Jakarta. Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin has urged local governments and universities in Central Kalimantan to strengthen human resource development to meet growing demand in overseas labor markets.

Mukhtarudin made the statement during an online speech at the Socialization of the Promotion and Utilization of Overseas Job Opportunities Program (P3LKN), part of a capacity-building program based on overseas labor market needs, on Tuesday.

The event was attended by Kotawaringin Barat Secretary Rody Iskandar, representing the regent; Antakusuma University (UNTAMA) Rector Prof. Dr. M. Fatchurahman, M.Psi., M.Pd.; officials from the Central Kalimantan Provincial Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda); and academics from universities across the province.

Mukhtarudin said the socialization program was part of the government's efforts to expand public access to information and safe, quality overseas job opportunities aligned with global labor market needs.

"This is an important part of our efforts to expand access to information and overseas job opportunities that are safe, quality and in line with the needs of the global labor market," he said.

According to Mukhtarudin, overseas job opportunities are becoming increasingly strategic as Indonesia has a large working-age population, while several countries face aging populations.

He said Indonesia's demographic bonus could become a strength if accompanied by improvements in human resource quality. Conversely, a large working-age population without adequate skills could create social and economic problems.

"They are of productive age, but if their human resources are not productive, this could create social, economic, and political problems," he said.

The central government, local governments and universities must therefore work together to prepare a productive generation with the knowledge, technical skills, attitudes and mindsets required by employers.

Mukhtarudin stressed that Indonesian workers must develop comparative, comprehensive and competitive advantages to compete in global labor markets.

At the same time, aging populations in various countries are creating opportunities for Indonesia to meet demand for workers. However, these opportunities cannot be utilized automatically, as international labor markets impose specific competency standards.

"On the demand side, the need for overseas workers is very high. But this high demand must be followed by competency requirements, at the very least language skills, followed by certified technical skills," he said.

He acknowledged that a gap remains between global labor market needs and the competencies of graduates from Indonesian vocational schools and universities.

To address this gap, the government is implementing an acceleration program through SMK Go Global, part of the Asta Mandala SMK Go Global initiative. The program aims to prepare 500,000 prospective skilled migrant workers by 2029, comprising 300,000 vocational school graduates and 200,000 members of the general public.

The target will be achieved gradually, with 40,000 people targeted in 2026, 140,000 in 2027, 180,000 in 2028 and 140,000 in 2029.

Mukhtarudin said the program adopts a demand-driven approach, in which workforce preparation begins by mapping labor market needs in destination countries.

"We are reversing the way we think. First, we identify the sector, then the country and the demand, and only then do we provide the training. What kind of competency does this demand require? Then we determine what kind of training is needed," he said.

Under this approach, the preparation of prospective migrant workers will go beyond training. Participants will develop competencies aligned with market needs before being placed in jobs.

"So, train, become competent, then place them. Not just train them and then have no follow-up," Mukhtarudin stressed.

The program covers various fields, including caregiving, welding, hospitality, nursing, manufacturing and other sectors based on international labor market needs.

Mukhtarudin also stressed the importance of local government involvement in providing the public with accurate information about procedures for working overseas.

He urged Indonesians to use official placement channels to ensure their rights and access to state protection while working abroad.

"The problem comes when people work through non-procedural and unsafe channels, without going through the Manpower Office, KP2MI or a proper placement process. That is dangerous," he said.

Mukhtarudin added that migrant workers who leave through official channels would receive protection in accordance with applicable regulations.

"As long as they work through proper procedures, they will be safe and work with dignity in another country," he said.

He expressed hope that cooperation among local governments, universities, the education sector and the Ministry of P2MI would strengthen the ecosystem for preparing prospective migrant workers in the regions. Such collaboration, he said, could help turn Indonesia's demographic bonus into an asset as the country competes in global labor markets.

Through collaboration among the central government, local governments and universities, Mukhtarudin said human resource preparation in Central Kalimantan could become more targeted, enabling competent and skilled Indonesian workers to fill overseas job opportunities through official channels.

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