Indonesia Maps Japan's Labor Demand to Better Prepare Workers for Overseas Jobs

JAKARTA, July 14 — Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower is mapping labor demand across key industries in Japan as part of efforts to better align vocational training and workforce development with the needs of Japanese employers.

The assessment followed a working visit by Vice Minister of Manpower Afriansyah Noor and an Indonesian delegation to Japan from July 8 to 12, where officials met with the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, training and recruitment institutions, Japanese companies employing Indonesian workers, and the Secretariat of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO).

The ministry said the meetings provided valuable insights into Japan's labor market demand, workforce readiness, and areas where worker protection and training could be strengthened.

"Job opportunities in Japan remain significant for Indonesian workers. We must prepare a workforce with skills that match industry needs, including technical competence, Japanese language proficiency, cultural understanding, and the ability to adapt to the workplace," Afriansyah said in a statement released by the ministry on Monday.

According to the ministry, Japanese employers continue to value Indonesian workers for their adaptability. However, companies also emphasized the need to improve practical skills, technical Japanese language proficiency, workplace safety awareness, discipline, and understanding of Japanese work culture.

The automotive industry, in particular, highlighted the importance of hands-on competencies such as vehicle maintenance, basic inspections, workplace safety, and quality control. Employers also stressed effective communication and strict adherence to operational procedures.

The ministry said Japanese language training should go beyond daily conversation and include technical terminology commonly used in industrial workplaces, particularly in safety procedures and operational communication.

Beyond workforce preparation, Indonesian and Japanese stakeholders also discussed strengthening worker protection through better assistance services, complaint mechanisms, and pre-departure orientation covering workplace adaptation and Japanese professional culture.

During meetings with the Asian Productivity Organization, both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in productivity development, human resource capacity building, professional certification, and the adoption of innovation and technology to improve Indonesia's workforce competitiveness.

Afriansyah said the findings would help the ministry refine Indonesia's vocational training curriculum, competency certification, and overseas job placement programs to better match Japan's industrial requirements and evolving global labor market.

"The results of this visit will serve as an important reference for improving Indonesia's workforce preparation—from training and certification to placement and worker protection—so Indonesian workers are better equipped to compete for quality jobs abroad," he said.