Kemnaker–JICA strengthens protection for Indonesian workers in Japan
Indonesia, Japan Strengthen Labor Protection Framework for Workers in Japan
Source: ANTARA News · August 25, 2026 at 2:01 PM · AI-assisted report
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JAKARTA, 25 AUGUST 2026 —
Indonesia, Japan Strengthen Labor Protection Framework for Workers in Japan
Market Impact
KUALA LUMPUR – The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have reinforced protections for Indonesian workers in Japan through enhanced training facilities, instructor capacity-building, and alignment with industry needs.
The collaboration was highlighted at the JICA-Kemnaker Final Activity Sharing Seminar, themed “Overview of Kemnaker and JICA Cooperation Framework and Achievements 2023-2026.”
“Success should not be measured solely by placement numbers. The focus must shift from mere placement to a comprehensive human resource development partnership that ensures full protection,” said Kemnaker Secretary-General Cris Kuntadi in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The forum reviewed progress from 2023-2026 and identified future development needs. Key achievements include improved worker preparation programs, with mobility increasing significantly under two schemes: the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program.
TITP participants rose from 43,145 in 2022 to a projected 124,967 in 2025, while SSW participants grew from 12,634 to 86,955 in the same period.
To ensure readiness, infrastructure surveys were conducted at 21 vocational training centers, and 200 instructors from seven training institutions underwent Japanese language upskilling. An additional 48 vocational instructors completed Training of Trainers programs.
Workers are also prepared in language, workplace culture, ethics, and discipline. Demand-driven adjustments align training with Japanese industry needs, including the development of the SSW Output Matrix across 16 sectors and partnerships with local governments in seven Japanese prefectures.
Cris emphasized that rising deployment numbers must be matched with competency, adequate information, workplace understanding, and worker protections.
Details on potential impacts for Malaysian labor markets or bilateral policies were not yet available.
Related: Jakarta