Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim encouraged the Open University (UT) and the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) to keep increasing synergy to provide education to Indonesian migrant workers (PMI).

“Especially in providing formal education for Indonesian migrant workers in pursuing higher education,” Makarim remarked virtually at the graduation ceremony of the UT – South Korea study group, here on Sunday.

He explained that the provision of higher education for PMIs aligns with President Joko Widodo’s vision of realizing human resources with great quality. Therefore, he expressed hope that the graduation ceremony can be momentum for increasing quality education and lifelong learning to face future challenges.

On that occasion, Makarim explained that migrant workers are Indonesia’s representatives abroad and contribute significant remittance value that reaches seven percent of the state budget.

“Given the huge role of migrant workers, the government ensures that migrant workers are protected and equipped with qualified skills,” he said.

UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat said the graduates went through a great struggle while studying at UT, which requires discipline and independence in learning.

“We are committed to innovating and realizing the higher education program for all. Expanding service coverage is UT’s main focus to serve the community both in Indonesia and abroad,” Darojat said.

Currently, the number of UT students abroad is 2,603 people and as many as 173 students are in South Korea.

Darojat invited UT students residing in South Korea who have graduated to invite other migrant workers to study at UT.

On Sunday, some 36 migrant workers working in South Korea graduated from UT.

The commencement was participated by one graduate with a Master of Management degree, six Communication Studies graduates, 21 graduates with Management Studies, and eight from English Literature focusing on translation.

Source: Antara News