Indonesia seeks enhanced migrant worker protection via Singapore and Philippines

Indonesia is intensifying efforts to enhance the protection and competence of its migrant workers through bilateral cooperation with Singapore and the Philippines.

In Singapore, Deputy Minister of Migrant Worker Protection Christina Aryani has instructed the Indonesian Embassy to explore skilled labor opportunities. This initiative aligns with the ‘SMK Go Global’ program, which aims to align domestic vocational training with the specific demands of international markets to ensure workers possess the necessary competencies before placement.

Simultaneously, Minister Mukhtarudin is working to accelerate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Migration Governance with the Philippines. Following a counterdraft submitted by the Philippine government in August 2026, Indonesia is prepared to proceed with technical discussions to finalize the agreement. The goal is to strengthen labor migration management, protect worker rights, and increase access to safe and decent employment.