Former migrant workers in Cirebon, West Java are being encouraged by the Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, Abdul Kadir Karding, to consider entrepreneurship as a means of strengthening their family and regional economy. Karding visited a garment business operated by a former migrant worker, Didi Kusnadi, and witnessed firsthand the success that can come from starting a business. Kusnadi’s business now generates hundreds of millions of rupiah in revenue each month and is run using modern techniques.
The minister believes that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for empowering former migrant workers who have returned to their hometowns. He advocates for the establishment of cooperatives or joint business ventures to facilitate collaboration and enhance the economic status of these individuals. Karding also highlights the importance of providing support in the form of skills training, business guidance, and access to capital for former migrant workers looking to start their own businesses. Additionally, he suggests that their expertise, including foreign language skills, can be utilized to assist in training future migrant workers.
During his visit to Cirebon, Karding engaged with members of the Indonesian Former Migrant Workers Association to gather their feedback and suggestions for improving policies and regulations within his ministry. He stresses the significance of leveraging technology in business development and assures that his ministry will offer concrete assistance, such as helping with business permits and exploring export opportunities for products created by former migrant workers. Karding expresses readiness to support these businesses in expanding both domestically and internationally.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like former migrant workers have a real opportunity to make a difference in their communities through entrepreneurship. Not really sure why this matters, but Karding’s emphasis on utilizing technology and providing practical support could be a game-changer for these individuals. With the right resources and guidance, former migrant workers have the potential to not only improve their own livelihoods but also contribute to the overall economic growth of their region.
