Indonesia prepares joint workforce development program with Japan

hartono · Aug 28, 2026

Indonesia prepares joint workforce development program with Japan

Indonesian Ministry of Manpower officials hold a meeting with representatives from a Japanese labor market company, AIDEM Inc., in Japan on Wednesday (August 26, 2026). /ANTARA/HO-Manpower Ministry.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower is exploring collaboration with a Japanese labor market company to prepare for the Indonesia-Japan Employment for Skill Development Program (ESDP), which is currently under discussion.

The ministry's Secretary-General, Cris Kuntadi, described the ESDP as a strategic avenue to improve the capabilities of Indonesian workers through direct work experience, skills development, and exposure to Japanese technology and workplace culture.

"The program, slated to launch in Japan in April 2027, offers a prime opportunity for Indonesian workers to gain work experience while developing their skills in Japan," Kuntadi said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday (August 27).

To prepare for the program, the ministry is designing a skills-enhancement training program for prospective ESDP participants before their deployment to Japan.

The initiative is being developed in collaboration with AIDEM Inc., a Japanese private company specializing in labor market information for domestic and foreign workers.

The company is expected to provide key information on job vacancies and the specific requirements of Japanese companies, which will serve as an important reference for preparing Indonesian candidates.

"We believe AIDEM's extensive experience and network can provide essential information on job vacancies and serve as a vital bridge connecting the specific needs of Japanese companies with those of our prospective ESDP participants," Kuntadi added.

He noted that the ministry remains committed to equipping Indonesian workers with the skills required by Japan's dynamic labor market.

"This strategic step is expected to open broader opportunities for Indonesian workers to gain experience while strengthening competencies that are highly relevant to the evolving employment landscape," he said.