Indonesia, El Sky News – The Indonesian government has announced an ambitious initiative to send 500,000 vocational high school (SMK) and senior high school (SMA) graduates abroad through the international program “SMK Go Global.” The announcement was made during a press conference in Jakarta by Muhaimin Iskandar (Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment) and Mukhtarudin (Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers – P2MI), under the direction of the President of Indonesia.
“Under the President’s directive, at the end of 2025 and into 2026, we will place SMK and SMA graduates with specialized skills abroad whether in welding, hospitality, caregiving, and other fields to gain better wages and work prospects overseas,” said Muhaimin Iskandar during the briefing.
Program Details
- Target participants: 500,000 graduates — 300,000 from SMK and 200,000 from the general public.
- Timeline: Phased implementation starting late 2025 and continuing into 2026.
- Destination countries: Germany, Turkey, Japan, and other countries with high demand for skilled workers.
- Preparation: Participants will undergo technical training, language and cultural orientation, and competency certification before deployment.
Budget and Objectives
The government has allocated approximately IDR 2.6 trillion for the initial phase of training and placement. The program aims to:
- Increase global employability of Indonesian graduates.
- Reduce youth unemployment in Indonesia.
- Foster innovation and international skills development within Indonesia’s vocational sector.
Implementation and Oversight
The Ministry of P2MI is responsible for overseeing placement, ensuring participants’ legal protection and welfare, and integrating the program into Indonesia’s broader labor migration ecosystem.
“We want Indonesia’s youth to compete globally. This program provides them with the opportunity to gain technical skills and international work experience while ensuring their safety and rights are protected,” emphasized Mukhtarudin.
The initiative is seen as a major step toward making Indonesia a source of skilled labor for the global market, while simultaneously improving domestic vocational education standards.
