Umar Hadi - mofa.go.kr

Indonesia’s ambassador-designate to South Korea, Umar Hadi, has big plans for his future post in the world’s 11th largest economy.

He wants to ensure that Indonesians are well-equipped to contribute to the economy when they return home.

Already a popular destination among well-heeled Indonesians, South Korea has attracted droves of young people from around the world with the hallyu itch — the global wave of South Korean popular culture exemplified by K-Pop, high fashion and hi-tech.

The allure of South Korea’s soft power has lulled Indonesian young people into seeking employment as migrant workers (TKIs), knowing that the long hours in the manufacturing sector are easily paid off by the creature comforts that a lifestyle in one of Asia’s most progressive economies affords.

According to figures from the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Seoul, approximately 5,500 Indonesians have overstayed their visits for fear of returning to Indonesia to earn a “sub-standard” living.

Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea earn about 1.35 million won (US$1,205) per month not including overtime, which would easily add up to much more in earnings. A survey conducted by the KBRI last year concludes that Indonesian migrant workers are able to save an average of $1,125 per month.

This is possible because South Korean labor laws do not differentiate between foreign and domestic workers, Umar said.

There are approximately 38,000 TKIs working in South Korea as part of a government-to-government cooperation scheme.

Brushing off concerns about errant Indonesian workers in South Korea, the career diplomat instead underscored the importance of preparing them for the imminent return home.

“Ideally, our TKIs in South Korea should return to Indonesia to open businesses,” he told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday.

While the KBRI in Seoul is currently working with civil society groups and overseas work placement agency (BNP2TKI) to equip TKIs with necessary skills, Umar said he wants to motivate them to pursue their own projects.

He is committed to expanding opportunities for the workers to study through ongoing collaboration with Indonesia’s online-only Open University (UT). Only 400 Indonesians are currently studying at UT in South Korea.

Prior to his assignment in Seoul, Umar served as Consul General at the Indonesian mission in Los Angeles from 2014 to 2017 and deputy chief of mission for KBRI in The Hague from 2009 to 2012.

Popular

Indonesia not affected by Southeast Asia-wide heat wave: BMKG

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts

In defense of Indonesian democracy