The Dynamics of Indonesian Migrant Worker Placement in 2024: Challenges and Competence Enhancement Strategies in the Global Labour Market

Abstract

This article explores the current conditions and strategic challenges faced by Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in 2024, with a particular emphasis on placement trends, labor market dynamics, and the implications for national policy. Drawing on recent statistical data and reports from credible institutions, the study reveals a significant decline in PMI placements as of July 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, the migration flow continues to be gendered, with female workers representing the majority of placements. These workers are primarily employed in Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore, which remain the dominant destination markets for Indonesian labor export. The analysis further indicates that domestic sectors especially roles such as housemaids and caregivers still constitute the largest proportion of job placements. This sectoral concentration raises concerns about job vulnerability, limited upward mobility, and the potential for exploitation, particularly among low-skilled workers. The findings point to an urgent need for the Indonesian government to implement more comprehensive and forward-looking policies that enhance the education, vocational training, and digital literacy of PMI. By improving the skill base and resilience of migrant workers, Indonesia can better position its labor force in the increasingly competitive and regulated global labor market. The study concludes by offering recommendations for policy development aimed at ensuring the long-term protection, empowerment, and global competitiveness of PMI.

Keywords: Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI); Indonesian Labour Ministry; global labour market, competence enhancement strategies; Indonesian migrant worker placement.

References

Abella, M. (2006). Global competition for skilled workers and consequences. Competing for Global Talent, 11–32.

Allen, E. R. (2016). Analysis of trends and challenges in the Indonesian labor market.

Aziz, A. N. A., & Saad, S. (2022). Faktor Kebergantungan Industri Terhadap Pekerja Asing di Malaysia. e-Bangi: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 19(7), 263–276.

Benton, M., Huang, L., Batalova, J., & Tirado, T. (2024). The State of Global Mobility in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Washington, DC, and Geneva: Migration Policy Institute and International ….

De Haas, H. (2009). Remittances and social development. In Financing social policy: Mobilizing resources for social development (pp. 293–318). Springer.

Doornik, B., Igan, D., & Kharroubi, E. (2023). Labour markets: what explains the resilience? BIS Quarterly Review, 77.

Fauzi, W., Solomon, R. V., & Prasojo, E. (2023). Challenges In Implementing Governance Policies For The Protection Of Indonesian Migrant Workers. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science, 2 (38).

Gatsou, L., Yates, S., Goodrich, N., & Pearson, D. (2017). The challenges presented by parental mental illness and the potential of a whole‐family intervention to improve outcomes for families. Child & Family Social Work, 22(1), 388–397.

Khalid, H., & Savirah, A. (2022). Legal Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers. Golden Ratio of Law and Social Policy Review, 1(2), 61–69.

Mindarti, L. I., & Umiyati, S. (2023). Empowerment of Pmi Based Collaborative Government Productive Economies. Remittances Review, 8(4).

Outlook, R. E. (2022). The European Recovery: Policy Recalibration and Sectoral Reallocation.

Renta, P. P., & Paksi, A. K. (2023). Efforts of Migrant Care and the Indonesian Government in Realizing the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) Facing the Death Penalty in Saudi Arabia (2015–2018). Sociología y Tecnociencia, 13(1), 89–101.

Saad, F., Ahmad, A. L., & Salleh, S. M. (2022). Cabaran dan Implikasi Adaptasi Silang Budaya Pembantu Rumah Indonesia (PRI) di Malaysia. e-Bangi: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 19(7).

Sobandi, K. R. (2021). Transformative journeys: Temporary Indonesian migrant workers and identity change. PhD thesis, University of Canterbury.

Sumarto, M. (2017). Welfare regime change in developing countries: Evidence from Indonesia. Social Policy & Administration, 51(6), 940–959.

Suwandi, I. (2017). Back to Production: Labor-Value Commodity Chains and the Imperialist World Economy.

Tsay, C.-I. (2015). Migration between Southeast Asia and Taiwan: Trends, characteristics and implications. Journal of ASEAN Studies, 3(2), 68–92.

Widyastuti, R. (2024). Return, Reintegration, and Local Development. Universitäts-und Landesbibliothek Bonn.