The Indonesian government is developing a stronger empowerment program for migrant workers who return home after finishing their contracts. The Migrant Worker Protection Ministry (P2MI) said its focus is no longer only about sending workers abroad but also about supporting them when they come back. Minister Muktarudin explained that many migrant workers struggle to become financially stable after returning home, so the government wants to fix this gap.
The minister noted that one of the most important efforts is teaching migrant workers financial literacy before they leave and while they are still working overseas. He said many migrant workers earn between Rp15 million and Rp20 million every month, yet up to 80 percent of their income is spent on consumption. Because of this, migrant workers often return without enough savings to start small businesses or support themselves long-term.
He said most Indonesian migrant workers work under one-year or two-year contracts. When these contracts end and are not renewed, many workers return home without any preparation. This situation puts them at risk of unemployment and makes it easy for them to fall back into poverty or leave the country again to search for work. The government wants to reduce this risk by helping workers build stable income after they return.
Muktarudin also stressed that financial literacy should not only be given to the workers but also to their families. Many families depend on remittances, and without proper financial planning, income is often spent too quickly. The government believes that supporting both workers and their families will create healthier financial habits and stronger economic security.
To support returning workers, the government has coordinated with several ministries. Those who want to start small businesses receive help from the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Meanwhile, returning migrant workers who want to build export-oriented micro enterprises get support from the Trade Ministry. The minister said they already have two MoUs with these ministries to ensure returning workers get direct and immediate assistance.
He explained that these programs are designed to make sure migrant workers do not return home only to become jobless. The goal is to help them reach economic independence as quickly as possible. By doing so, the government hopes that returning workers will not fall into poverty again after spending years working abroad.
The minister said empowerment programs will continue to strengthen, especially because many migrant workers return home unsure about their next steps. With proper guidance, coaching, and financial support, the government believes that returning workers can build successful micro businesses and create stable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
He added that the main aim is to prevent former migrant workers from experiencing long periods of unemployment. The government wants migrant workers to come home with confidence, capital, and clear opportunities so they can build a better future in Indonesia and reduce their need to migrate again for financial reasons.