Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) is stepping up efforts to prevent the illegal placement of Indonesian workers overseas through its “SMK Go Global” vocational program.
The program provides capacity building and international employment opportunities for talented young Indonesians.
Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin said on Wednesday that participants will receive free language training, technical instruction, and professional certification, all fully funded by the state budget.
“We hope this government-sponsored program will encourage the public to stop relying on unofficial channels to work abroad. God willing, through this initiative, we will be able to reduce the number of undocumented deployments,” Mukhtarudin said.
To further curb illegal departures, the ministry is also providing financing through the People’s Business Credit (KUR) microloan scheme. The program offers loans of up to Rp100 million (approximately US$5,564), with a repayment period of three years and an interest rate of 6 percent.
The funds can be used to cover job training costs or provide preparation capital for workers before departing for their destination countries. The ministry aims to disburse Rp393.5 billion (US$21.89 million) in KUR loans for migrant workers this year.
“We expect the public to stop using illegal channels, as the official mechanisms, procedures, and financing facilities are already in place,” Mukhtarudin said.
Beyond these preventive measures, the minister noted that the government is also strengthening law enforcement to deter citizens from seeking employment abroad through illegal means.
These efforts include intensifying cyber patrols to remove false information and fraudulent advertisements related to overseas job vacancies.
Furthermore, the ministry is cracking down on unregistered institutions engaged in illegal labor placement while taking firm action against licensed placement agencies that violate regulations.
“We are undertaking all these efforts to continuously reduce the number of illegal deployments, including by combating the crime of human trafficking,” Mukhtarudin added.
Related news: Indonesia strengthens villages against human trafficking
Related news: Indonesia again repatriates human trafficking victims from Libya
Related news: Indonesia, Albania expand cooperation on skilled migrant workers
Translator: Uyu Septiyati Liman
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2026