Talent Management
Indonesia to send 500,000 graduates abroad through SMK Go Global programme
Indonesia announces SMK Go Global, a programme to deploy 500,000 skilled graduates overseas by 2026, targeting jobs in Germany, Turkey, Japan, and other talent-short markets.
Indonesia is gearing up to send half a million vocational and senior high school graduates overseas as part of a new government initiative aimed at improving youth employability and filling global skill gaps. The large-scale programme, called SMK Go Global, was announced this week by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Iskandar said the effort is designed to help young Indonesians tap into international job opportunities, particularly in sectors facing talent shortages. The rollout is expected to begin at the end of 2025 and continue throughout 2026.
According to the Minister, the government has set aside Rp2.6 billion (approximately US$155,000) to support the initiative, which will prioritise graduates with practical skills in areas such as welding, hospitality, and healthcare. Countries including Germany, Turkey, and Japan have already been identified as key destinations based on their demand for specialised talent.
Iskandar noted that participants will undergo targeted training before departure to ensure they meet job requirements in their destination countries. “Those who are interested will be prepared with the skills needed to compete globally,” he said.
P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin added that the 500,000-person cohort will include 300,000 SMK graduates and 200,000 individuals from the broader community. He acknowledged, however, that foreign language proficiency remains a major barrier for many Indonesian workers. As part of the programme, participants will receive pre-departure language training to improve readiness and employability.
Government data shows that around 1.5 million SMK graduates remain unabsorbed by the domestic labour market. The SMK Go Global programme forms part of a broader push to strengthen vocational pathways and ensure young Indonesians are equipped to compete not just locally, but internationally.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Iskandar said the effort is designed to help young Indonesians tap into international job opportunities, particularly in sectors facing talent shortages. The rollout is expected to begin at the end of 2025 and continue throughout 2026.
According to the Minister, the government has set aside Rp2.6 billion (approximately US$155,000) to support the initiative, which will prioritise graduates with practical skills in areas such as welding, hospitality, and healthcare. Countries including Germany, Turkey, and Japan have already been identified as key destinations based on their demand for specialised talent.
Iskandar noted that participants will undergo targeted training before departure to ensure they meet job requirements in their destination countries. “Those who are interested will be prepared with the skills needed to compete globally,” he said.
P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin added that the 500,000-person cohort will include 300,000 SMK graduates and 200,000 individuals from the broader community. He acknowledged, however, that foreign language proficiency remains a major barrier for many Indonesian workers. As part of the programme, participants will receive pre-departure language training to improve readiness and employability.
Government data shows that around 1.5 million SMK graduates remain unabsorbed by the domestic labour market. The SMK Go Global programme forms part of a broader push to strengthen vocational pathways and ensure young Indonesians are equipped to compete not just locally, but internationally.
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