-The First Human Resources Forum- Collaboration of JICA and Indonesian Ministry of Manpower ~Promoting Smooth Acceptance of Foreign Human Resource~

On November 28, 2023, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia held the first Human Resources Forum in Jakarta. This forum was convened as part of efforts to increase the safety and security of the specified skilled workers and technical intern trainees from Indonesia to Japan.

The forum opened by remarks from Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Kenji Kanasugi, and Indonesian Minister of Manpower, Ida Fauziyah. Both spoke about the cooperation between two countries in order to achieve the Indonesian government's goal of sending 100,000 human resources to Japan over the next five years.

Following the opening remarks, JICA and the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on four (4) key initiatives to promote the aforementioned goals. These initiatives are: (1) disseminate employment information in Japan; ( 2 ) establish a platform for exchanging opinions between Japanese and Indonesian public and private sector stakeholders; (3) provide Japanese language education; and (4) offer skills training. The document was signed by Chief Representative of JICA Indonesia Office, Yasui Takehiro; and the Secretary General​ of Indonesian Ministry of Manpower, Anwar Sanusi, witnessed by Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia and Indonesian Minister of Manpower.

On the forum, there are also focus discussion groups for four (4) industries, namely tourism (accommodation), automotive, caregiver, and construction. The focus discussion mainly discussed on the required compentecy for the specified skilled workers and technical intern trainees from Indonesia to Japan, Indonesia's human resource development efforts, and the alumni activities contributing to the country's economic development. Active discussions took place between the parties from both countries, involving more than 200 individuals from industry, government, and academia engaged in human resource development, sending, and accepting people from both nations.

Many migrant workers in Japan are from countries which JICA has a long history of cooperation, primarily from Southeast Asian countries. With this cooperation, JICA is hoping to contribute to the economic development of each country by promoting the acceptance of migrant workers, leveraging trust relationships with each country, know-how in human resource development, and experience in human security initiatives cultivated through support to partner countries. Efforts will continue to be promoted to address the challenges faced by migrant workers and to appropriately accept workers in Japan.