Eyewitness – Sanur
On Minister Doorstop with Media today 2 March 2026, The Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (PDIU-MI) in collaboration with strategic partners including PT. GMI, officially held a send-off ceremony in Denpasar for hospitality sector workers bound for Bulgaria. This deployment marks the beginning of a phased departure for 1,000 skilled workers.
Minister Muktharudin emphasized that Bulgaria was selected as a key destination due to its robust legal protections, comprehensive social security, and national stability.
”When determining placement countries, our priority is safety. We avoid conflict zones and ensure the destination offers excellent social security, competitive wages, and strong legal safeguards,” the Minister stated. “Bulgaria is a proven partner that meets all these criteria.”
A Shift Toward Skilled Labor
The Minister highlighted a strategic shift in Indonesia’s labor export paradigm, moving away from unskilled labor toward a “skilled worker” model.
”We are moving past the old paradigm of sending workers without specific competencies. Moving forward, we will continuously increase the deployment of professional, skilled migrants to fill gaps in the global labor market,” he explained.
With many developed nations facing an aging population, the Minister views this as a vital opportunity for “brain circulation.” Workers are expected to gain international experience and a global work ethic before returning to contribute to Indonesia’s domestic development.
Combatting Illegal Recruitment
Authorities used the event to urge the public to follow official procedures and avoid the “sweet talk” of illegal recruiters. Prospective migrants are encouraged to use verified channels, such as local government offices, the PDIU-MI information system (SISKO), and accredited training centers (LPK).
”Work procedurally; be a safe migrant. Safe migrants lead to a prosperous people and a developed Indonesia,” the Minister added.
While the majority of the current cohort hails from Bali—specifically Klungkung, Gianyar, Buleleng, and Denpasar—the group also includes workers from East Java and Medan.
Middle East Stability and Global Expansion
Addressing the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Minister assured that Indonesian workers in countries like Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Jordan remain physically safe, though some have experienced psychological trauma due to the proximity of regional conflicts.
”There has been no exodus or mandatory repatriation yet, but we are coordinating closely with overseas representatives, immigration, and police to prepare evacuation options should an emergency arise,” he noted. He also clarified that Iran is not an official placement destination for Indonesian migrant workers.
Future Outlook: 5,000 Vacancies in Bulgaria
Looking ahead to 2027, Bulgaria has requested an additional 5,000 workers. Eastern Europe, along with markets in the UK, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland, is increasingly looking to Indonesia to fill roles in hospitality and caregiving (nurses and elderly care).
However, the Minister acknowledged a lingering competency gap between Indonesian vocational outputs and global standards. “Not all graduates from vocational schools (SMK) or health colleges are immediately ready for the global market. We are committed to refining our vocational training (Vocational LPK) to bridge this gap and ensure our workers meet international demands,” Muktharudin concluded.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
