PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) is encouraging the strengthening of vocational education to prepare human resources with skills according to the needs of the international job market.

This effort was one of the topics discussed in the meeting between the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, and the Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, Christina Aryani, at the Bandung City Hall, Saturday (10/10/2026).

During the meeting, Farhan assessed that Bandung City has the potential to contribute to the preparation of skilled migrant workers through the existence of universities, polytechnics, vocational schools, and other educational institutions.

According to him, this potential needs to be utilized to open up wider job opportunities for the community, while also preparing a workforce capable of meeting the needs of industry abroad.

Farhan also emphasized the importance of preparing prospective migrant workers from diverse backgrounds, including vocational graduates and those from low-income families. This step can support efforts to expand job opportunities and reduce the unemployment rate in Bandung City.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Christina Aryani explained that the need for skilled labor in several countries still offers opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers. Fields requiring workers include welding, caregiving, manufacturing, and hospitality.

Destination countries that offer placement opportunities include Japan, South Korea, Germany, and a number of other European countries.

He explained that the government is also encouraging the development of prospective migrant workers' competencies through language training, technical skills training, and certification tailored to job requirements. This competency development is one way to match prospective workers' skills with the needs of companies in destination countries.

In addition to skills development, the legality and protection of migrant workers are also a concern. Placement through official procedures is necessary to ensure workers receive protection and access to assistance if they encounter problems while working abroad.

The discussion also addressed the supervision of job training institutions offering overseas placements, as well as the constraints of social security requirements that could impact prospective participants' participation in training programs.

As a follow-up, the Bandung City Government together with relevant regional apparatus and the West Java BP3MI team will coordinate to harmonize the draft memorandum of understanding.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen synergies in preparing prospective skilled migrant workers, utilizing vocational education networks, and expanding public access to job opportunities abroad. (Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)