The Indonesian government has announced plans to launch a sustainable entrepreneurship program aimed at empowering retired migrant workers. Minister of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, revealed this initiative during a visit to Karawang, West Java.
Minister Karding explained that the P2MI Ministry, recently established by the president, is dedicated to addressing the needs of migrant workers throughout their journey—from departure to employment and after their return home. Once migrant workers return to Indonesia, they are categorized as retired migrant workers and are the focus of this new program.
The ministry plans to support these individuals by helping them establish businesses in various sectors, including sales and management. Additionally, the program will provide access to low-interest loans, with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) offering loans of up to Rp100 million at an annual interest rate of six percent.
Karding emphasized the importance of collaboration with regional manpower offices to identify suitable business opportunities for retired migrant workers. He also highlighted the role of village heads in recording residents interested in entrepreneurship and ensuring proper procedures are followed for those seeking work abroad.
The program will include training sessions to prepare retired migrant workers for entrepreneurship, ensuring they can transition smoothly into self-employment and contribute to their local economies.