Tokyo – Indonesia’s Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, met with representatives of PT Bisa Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU) in Japan on Sunday (August 24, 2025). The meeting focused on strengthening vocational training and the placement of skilled Indonesian workers abroad, particularly in Japan.

During the discussion, Minister Karding asked about BIRU’s readiness to train workers in line with international market demands. “The training is conducted locally?” he asked, after learning that BIRU’s vocational programs are already running in Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. “So how many workers have been deployed so far?” he continued, highlighting the importance of certified workforce deployment.

BIRU’s CEO, Kanya, explained that since 2018, the company has been developing training programs for mechanics and heavy equipment operators across 47 partner schools. This year, BIRU has also established a training and certification center for building cleaners, accredited by the Japan Association for Building Maintenance.

“We started with just five schools back in 2018, and now we have 47 partners. The training lasts ten days, costing around IDR 5 million per person, including exams and certification,” Kanya said. She added that demand from Japanese companies for skilled Indonesian workers is rising. “This year, the initial demand is for 100 building cleaners, and next year it’s projected to reach 300. After training, about 34 percent are absorbed by our own group, while the rest are placed in other mining companies,” she noted.

In response, Minister Karding emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the development of vocational training aligned with global market needs. “We welcome investment for anyone willing to contribute. We’ll prepare the curriculum and provide full support,” he said.

The vocational program is expected not only to serve domestic industry needs but also to create clear, certified, and globally recognized pathways for Indonesian workers seeking overseas employment.