TEMPO

 

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir addressed the job opportunities offered by Taiwan and Japan to Indonesian citizens, a topic that gained attention through the viral hashtag "Kabur Aja Dulu" (Let's Just Run Away) on social media.

Arrmanatha expressed that he is not concerned about these offers from both countries. He argued that career opportunities within Indonesia are more expansive than those in Japan and Taiwan.

“Usually developing countries have more job opportunities compared to developed and structured countries because the opportunities could be more limited once a country has become developed and structured," said Arrmanatha during the celebration event of the 70th Indonesia-Vietnam diplomatic relations at Hotel Raffles Jakarta on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Drawing from his personal experience of studying abroad, Arrmanatha believes that a wide array of job opportunities exist in Indonesia. He further shared that his own children prefer to build their careers in Indonesia rather than overseas.

"My children also studied abroad for a long time. But, they see more opportunities here. So, when my children finished their studies, they chose to come back here," he added.


Job Opportunities in Taiwan

Head of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) Bruce Hung acknowledged the viral "Kabur Aja Dulu" trend on social media. He acknowledged this as a reflection of Indonesian citizens' concerns. "They want a new life, I understand that. Of course, we welcome them," said Hung during a press conference in the Senayan area, Jakarta, on Friday, February 21, 2025.

While offering a positive response, Hung emphasized that Taiwan respects the decisions made by the Indonesian government and its citizens regarding moving abroad. He also highlighted the diverse opportunities available in Taiwan.

Hung stated that Taiwan offers opportunities for Indonesian citizens wishing to pursue further education or work in various sectors. He noted that Indonesia’s large youth population presents potential for Taiwan.

Hung also reminded that Taiwan maintains specific requirements for foreign workers.

Hung revealed that approximately 400,000 Indonesians currently reside in Taiwan, a significant number relative to Taiwan's population of only 23 million. He further disclosed that Indonesians in Taiwan are employed across nearly all sectors. "Whether it's in the medical, manufacturing, or construction sectors. Basically, in all sectors," he said.

Job Opportunities in Japan

Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Masaki Yasushi expressed his hope that more Indonesian students will choose to study in Japan, as Japanese universities are increasingly offering courses in English.

Masaki conveyed that Japan welcomes skilled workers from various countries, particularly Indonesia. He praised Indonesian workers for their diligence in fields such as medical services, manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and services.

"They are highly respected by the Japanese people. So, my mission is to increase the number of such individuals," Masaki said during the 65th birthday celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito in Jakarta on Thursday night, February 20, 2025, as reported by Antara.

Furthermore, Masaki mentioned that in addition to the previously mentioned fields, Indonesian citizens can also find employment in Japan's transportation sector. "I believe that Indonesians are accepted in any field.

And I heard there is a bus driver from Indonesia, the first one in Japan," Masaki said.

According to Masaki, while fluency is not always required, foreign workers in Japan are expected to have a basic understanding of the Japanese language.

He also emphasized that the Japanese population understands and respects Islamic culture. Therefore, Masaki believes that the Japanese people are prepared to welcome more skilled workers from Indonesia.