Indonesia Proposes Review Of MoU On Manpower Placement In South Korea

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi gave a press statement witnessed virtually from Jakarta, Thursday (28/7/2022). Screenshot via ANTARA

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the Indonesian government proposed a review of the memorandum of understanding (Memorandum of Understanding) regarding the placement of Indonesian workers in South Korea.

This was stated by Foreign Minister Retno after accompanying President Joko Widodo's bilateral meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Yongsan Presidential Office, Seoul, Thursday afternoon local time.

"Indonesia proposes that it is time for the MoU regarding the placement of workers owned by the two countries to be reviewed," said Foreign Minister Retno when giving an online press statement quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, July 28.

The Foreign Minister explained that until March 2022, there were more than 28,000 Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea.

Most PMIs work in the manufacturing and fisheries sectors. On the other hand, the Government of Indonesia sees an opportunity to place semi-skilled labor.

Therefore, Indonesia proposes an additional employment sector that can be filled if the two countries agree to review the MoU that has been running since 2012.

President Joko Widodo and his delegation have just completed a working visit to Seoul, South Korea by holding a meeting with CEOs, separate meetings with Hyundai and LG, as well as bilateral meetings with President Yoon Suk-yeol which became the core of the President's working visit in Seoul.

Jokowi's meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol is the second time the leaders of the two countries have met.

"The two Presidents' commitment is very clear, to strengthen cooperation, especially in the economic sector. When meeting with the CEOs, the interest in expanding and new investments in Indonesia is quite large," said Foreign Minister Retno.