Cirebon Considered Strategic Location for Migrant Labor Training

Cirebon, West Java, Indonesianpost.com – The Ministry of Migrant Workers Protection has urged the Cirebon district government to establish a specialized vocational training center to enhance the skills and competitiveness of local prospective migrant workers.

Minister Abdul Kadir Karding highlighted Cirebon as one of Indonesia’s largest sources of migrant workers, with around 70,000 residents currently working abroad. In 2024 alone, approximately 11,000 workers from Cirebon departed overseas.

“If managed well, this initiative can create jobs, reduce unemployment, and significantly boost the regional economy,” Karding said on Saturday.

Read Also: Kadin Suspends Three Banten Members Over Alleged Extortion

The minister underlined the economic impact of remittances, estimating that if each migrant sends Rp5 million monthly, total remittances could reach Rp600 billion (about US$36.4 million) annually, making it a vital income source for the region.

Karding proposed a training center with tailored programs for destination countries such as South Korea and Japan. The facility would offer specialized curricula, professional trainers, foreign language instruction, and skill certifications.

He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive training ecosystem that differentiates between domestic and overseas job preparation.

The minister also stressed the need for legal and safe migration channels, calling for cooperation among police, village officials, and community leaders to educate workers on proper procedures. (BL/Antara)