Yogyakarta vocational graduates to work abroad in large numbers

Approximately 600 vocational high school (SMK) graduates from the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) are scheduled to work abroad starting October 29, 2026. This represents a significant increase from the 250 graduates sent abroad in 2025.

According to Raden Suci Rohmadi, Head of the DIY Department of Education, Youth, and Sports (Disdikpora), the initiative is part of a central government assistance program aimed at providing employment opportunities, as local and national job markets remain limited. Most of these graduates will be placed in Japan, with others heading to Germany, primarily in caregiver roles.

Vice Governor KGPAA Paku Alam X emphasized the need for thorough preparation and the guarantee of living standards for these workers while in their destination countries. The regional government intends to coordinate closely with the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Service (BP3MI) to ensure worker readiness and protection.