Kemenko PM Urges Migrant Workers to Not Only Earn Money but Also Bring Home Skills

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM) encourages Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) not only to seek income abroad but also to bring back skills, experience, and business capital to develop their home regions.

"The experience and earnings gained while working abroad need to be prepared to provide broader benefits once migrant workers return to Indonesia," said Abdul Haris, Deputy for Community Empowerment Coordination of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions, and Certain Regions at Kemenko PM, as quoted in his statement on Sunday (15/11/2026).

Haris believes that the success of migrant workers cannot be solely measured by the number of workers sent abroad.

“The success of migrant workers is assessed by their contributions upon returning, not merely by the number dispatched,” he stated.

According to him, returning PMIs are expected to play roles as entrepreneurs, instructors, mentors, cooperative promoters, and exporters of local commodities.

"Thus, the experience of working abroad not only improves the welfare of workers and their families but can also stimulate economic growth in their home regions," he explained.

Haris noted that overseas job opportunities could be a pathway to expand employment options while addressing unemployment challenges.

However, these opportunities must be matched with the readiness of potential migrant workers.

They need to possess technical skills, foreign language proficiency, and certifications relevant to the needs of their destination countries.

The preparation of the workforce is one of the focuses of the SMK Go Global program, which is coordinated by Kemenko PM.

This program aims to enhance the skills of vocational education graduates to meet the demands of the international job market.

Haris also advised potential migrant workers to pay attention to three key points before and while working abroad.

First, ensure departure is conducted through procedural channels with adequate competencies. Second, manage earnings wisely to serve as capital for the future.

Third, prepare a plan for when they return so that their experience abroad can benefit their community.

“Indonesian migrant workers are part of Indonesia's development strength. Depart with hope, work to enhance your competencies, and return to build your region,” he emphasized.