UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has officially established a strategic partnership with the Ministry for Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (P2MI). The ministry is also known as the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI). Both parties formalized the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and three Cooperation Agreements (PKS). They then continued the agenda with a Forum Group Discussion (FGD).
The signing ceremony took place at the Ki Hadjar Dewantara Tower, UNS, on Monday (14/4/2025). Minister of P2MI, H. Abdul Kadir Karding, S.Pi., M.Si., attended the event along with ministry officials. Surakarta Mayor Respati Achmad Ardianto, S.H., M.Kn., also showed strong support by joining the event.
From UNS, the ceremony welcomed Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. Members of the Academic Senate, the Board of Professors, and Vice Rectors also attended. The event also brought together Deans, Directors, the University Secretary, and other key leaders.
Agreements Focused on Research, Training, and Governance Support
This MoU outlines a collaborative framework focusing on the placement and protection of Indonesian migrant workers through UNS’s three pillars. Those are education, research, and community service. The partnership emphasizes data sharing, joint research initiatives, and the dissemination of information related to migrant worker protection. Both parties will keep the agreement valid for five years and may renew it with mutual consent.
In addition to the MoU, UNS and P2MI signed three Cooperation Agreements:
- Research and Community Service Collaboration
This agreement focuses on addressing Indonesian migrant worker issues through undergraduate programs. These programs include Development Economics, Management, Accounting, Digital Business, and Law. The goal is to improve the quality of life for migrant workers. The parties aim to achieve this through joint research, co-authored publications, and targeted community outreach. This PKS will be effective for three years. - Information Dissemination and Competency Development
The programs involved are Law, Applied Anesthesiology Nursing, Applied Mandarin for Business and Professional Communication. It also includes Applied English for Business and Professional Communication and Midwifery. These programs aim to address the needs of migrant workers and enhance their skill sets. The focus is on labor profiling, skill harmonization, and sharing information about overseas job opportunities and worker protection. This agreement is also valid for three years. - Public Service Agency (BLU) Development Synergy
This agreement aims to support the formation and implementation of BLU under the Ministry of P2MI. It includes administrative and licensing assistance as well as institutional capacity building. The programs included are Management, Accounting, and Accounting Education. This PKS is valid for five years.
Strengthening Policy and Empowerment for Migrant Workers
Rector Prof. Dr. Hartono emphasized that this partnership underscores UNS’s commitment to protecting and empowering Indonesian migrant workers.
“Through education, research, and community service, UNS actively participates in various programs. These programs include literacy campaigns, skill development, policy research, and migrant worker advocacy,” Prof. Hartono stated.
He further highlighted the importance of evidence-based policy development for long-term impact. According to him, this aligns with UNS’s DREAMTEAM program, particularly the values of Together and Active. By embracing collaboration and proactive engagement, UNS continues to address national challenges like migrant worker protection.
Minister Abdul Kadir Karding invited UNS to collaborate further in empowering Indonesian migrant workers. He noted that the partnership will cover training, research, business mentoring, and financial literacy initiatives.
“We must create an ecosystem that ensures the future protection of our migrant workers,” he said. “Improving governance and strengthening partnerships with local governments and universities is essential.”
After the signing ceremony, Ibrahim Fatwa Wijaya, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D. led the FGD. UNS presented its International Community Service Program for Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan. Dr. Dimas Rahadian Aji Muhammad, S.T.P., M.Sc., and Rino Ardhian Nugroho, S.Sos., M.T.I. delivered the presentation.
Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Herman Saputro, S.Pd., M.Pd., M.T., presented the Vocational School’s readiness to support upskilling and reskilling efforts. He emphasized the critical role of vocational training in preparing globally competitive migrant workers.
Through this partnership, UNS and the Ministry of P2MI/BP2MI reaffirm their commitment to building a sustainable protection system. They also aim to create a comprehensive framework for migrant worker welfare. This collaboration aims to shape better policies and significantly enhance the well-being of Indonesian migrant workers and their families.
Humas UNS
Reporter: R.P. Adji.
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
