PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) has increased the allocation of its skills improvement (upskilling) program for prospective migrant workers from Garut Regency by 500 people for the second phase. This increase is the result of discussions between the Garut Regency Government and the Ministry of P2MI to expand employment opportunities abroad.

The discussion took place when the Regent of Garut, Abdusy Syakur Amin, conducted a working visit to receive an audience with the Regional Government and Higher Education Institutions regarding the Synergy of Governance for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers at the KH Abdurrahman Wahid Hall, P2MI Ministry Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (27/10/2026).

The visit focused on strategies to open up overseas job opportunities for Garut Regency residents and strengthen skills improvement programs to ensure prospective workers have the competencies needed by the global job market.

Syakur urged the public not to limit their job search to within their region, but to also take advantage of job opportunities abroad while still following official government procedures.

"So, I'm saying that Garut residents don't need to think about working in Garut alone, they can also work abroad. Of course, they must have good skills, knowledge, and language skills, and follow government procedures to protect our interests," he stressed.

The Director of Vocational Institutional Development for Indonesian Migrant Workers, Abri Danar Prabawa, welcomed the Garut Regency Government's commitment to preparing competent prospective migrant workers who are ready to compete in the international job market.

"Come on, Garut residents, let's become ready to work abroad. Improve your competencies, skills, soft skills, and mental toughness. Opportunities to work abroad are increasingly open. We will ensure that all processes are in accordance with procedures," he said.

Abri added that preparing Job Training Centers (BLK) and Job Training Institutions (LPK) is one of the keys to equipping prospective workers with competencies that meet job market needs.

"Safe work, satisfying results, and prosperous families. With guaranteed protection and market-appropriate skills, Garut residents can become a world-class, competent workforce," he added.

The Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office (Disnakertrans) of Garut Regency, Nia Gania Karyana, said that the results of the meeting included an additional allocation of 500 participants for the second phase of the upskilling program from the Ministry of P2MI.

In the first phase, 120 people participated in the upskilling program, focusing on coffee barista training and welding. The program offered guaranteed job placement abroad with an estimated salary of over Rp 15 million per month.

In addition, collaboration through the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) and the Ministry of Manpower has also implemented an upskilling program for around 450 people in the formal and informal sectors.

"For the second phase, based on yesterday's discussion at KP2MI, we received an upskilling allocation of 500 people from BLK and LPK. For the second phase, in November, job placement will be in February 2027 in collaboration with LPK. Tomorrow, we will hold a meeting with the LPK," explained Nia Gania.

Through collaboration between the Garut Regency Government and the Ministry of P2MI, prospective migrant workers from Garut are expected to have high competitiveness, obtain legal protection, and be able to improve family welfare in a sustainable manner.

(Garut Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)