“There is tremendous potential from Southeast Sulawesi’s seafarers. They can help fill vacant jobs in several countries,” said Mangiring Hasolan Sinaga, the ministry’s Director of Complaint, Mediation, and Advocacy Services.
Speaking at a coordination meeting on preventing illegal migrant placements and human trafficking, Sinaga noted high international demand for maritime labor.
While Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan remain top destinations for Indonesian migrant workers, new opportunities are emerging in Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Japan, for example, has opened a pathway through its Specific Skill Worker scheme, which requires at least N4-level Japanese proficiency,” he said.
Sinaga urged job seekers to avoid illegal recruiters promising high salaries and to use official government channels such as local manpower offices or Migrant Worker Protection Service Centers (BP3MI).
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“Don’t be tempted by unlicensed brokers. Legal placement is the safest way to work abroad,” he warned.
He added that with the right skills and proper documentation, Indonesian fishermen can compete globally and avoid falling victim to trafficking and labor exploitation.
To support this, the ministry is rolling out a transformation strategy that includes improved market intelligence, sector-by-sector labor mapping by country, and skills training aligned with international standards.
Indonesia will also strengthen the role of labor attachés at embassies to better match workers with employer needs in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to expand safe, legal migration channels while protecting Indonesian workers abroad.
Related news: Govt urges legal channels for safer overseas jobs
Translator: Ode, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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