The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower is broadening opportunities for apprenticeships in Japan through enhanced collaboration with the Kagawa Prefectural Government. Anwar Sanusi, the director of the Labor Planning and Development Agency within the ministry, announced in Jakarta that the objective of the collaboration is to enhance the deployment and recruitment of Indonesian technical apprentices in Japan.
“It also aims to ensure the quality of their skills, as well as the protection of their welfare, safety, health, and security throughout the apprenticeship program”, he says.
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He observed that the collaboration between the two entities, symbolized by the formal agreement signed in Jakarta last week, represents a significant advancement towards enhancing the organization of apprenticeships in Japan and delivering valuable advantages to those involved.
Both entities have entered into a collaborative agreement aimed at enhancing the recruitment and placement procedures, sharing data and information, working together to address operational challenges, and supporting participants in empowerment initiatives post-apprenticeship completion.
The Governor of Kagawa Prefecture, Ikeda Toyohito, emphasized the significant role that Indonesia's workforce plays in facilitating the operations of businesses within the prefecture.
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"Through this cooperation, we want to ensure that Indonesian apprentices depart with competencies that match industrial needs and work within a more organized system that protects them", Sanusi remarks.
At present, there are around 4,000 Indonesian laborers working in Kagawa Prefecture. This number encompasses 1,463 trainees and 1,161 specialized skilled workers who are making valuable contributions in multiple industries.
Moreover, Ikeda announced that as of April 2027, the apprenticeship model in Japan will transition into a comprehensive training and employment structure. This shift is anticipated to enhance the ease of entry for Indonesian workers into Japan, with a particular emphasis on opportunities in Kagawa Prefecture.
Furthermore, the Trade Ministry of Indonesia facilitated connections between 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and prominent Japanese retailers in order to enhance the export opportunities for Indonesian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), with a focus on penetrating one of the most discerning consumer markets in Asia.
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The ministry collaborated with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to facilitate business matching sessions between Indonesian SMEs and four prominent Japanese retail companies. These sessions were specifically tailored to address issues of market entry and conformance to rigorous Japanese regulations.
Fajarini Puntodewi, the Director General of National Export Development, stated that the objective of the initiative is to harmonize Indonesian products with the stringent quality, safety, and consumer standards set by Japan, thereby empowering local suppliers to effectively compete in a market characterized by high barriers and high value.