'If You Can Work, Why Should You Have An Internship?' Minister Karding Highlights The Placement Scheme For PMIs In Japan

Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Abdul Kadir Karding (Photo: VOI Ho Kemen P2MI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, emphasized the need for a fairer placement scheme for Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in Japan.

In a meeting with the ranks of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tokyo, last Tuesday, Minister Karding highlighted the practice of sending PMIs with internship status, even though in reality they were working fully.

"If you can work, why should you have a three-year internship? It's not an internship, it's work. We will discuss it with the Japanese government for a more appropriate scheme, such as SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) or another official work pattern," said Karding.

Karding said that President Prabowo Subianto gave a double mandate to the Ministry of P2MI. First, ensure comprehensive protection for PMI. Second, increasing the country's foreign exchange through the placement of skilled workers abroad.

Japan is one of the priority destination countries. This is because the need for workers in Sakura Country is projected to reach 639,000 people per year from around the world.

"If Indonesia can fill in only 10 percent, it means there are around 63,000 workers every year. This is a great opportunity that should not be missed. But they must depart procedurally, be trained, certified, and most importantly master Japanese," said Karding.

To answer this need, KemenP2MI prepared a number of steps. Among them are opening migrant classes in schools and campuses, and consolidating the retired migrant workers who have worked in Japan to become volunteer language teachers.

In addition to improving language skills, Karding also emphasized the need for adjustment of labor certification standards to suit Japanese needs.

"We don't just want to send PMIs, but to make sure they are protected, skilled, and ready to compete," Karding said.

Furthermore, Karding emphasized that the placement of PMIs to Japan must be carried out proactively and coordinated. Collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese government, and business actors is called the key to ensuring that migrant workers receive optimal protection.

Indonesia is ready to fill the needs of workers in Japan. But don't just look at it as a number. Most importantly, PMI must be placed in a dignified manner, said Minister Karding.