Indonesian Workers Show Strong Willingness to Work Abroad

Driven by Career and Financial Motivations

A significant majority of Indonesian workers, 67% according to a Jobstreet survey, are open to working abroad. This figure is roughly in line with the Southeast Asian average. The primary drivers behind this willingness are career advancement opportunities, the potential for higher earnings, and the prospect of an improved quality of life.

Key Motivations for Working Abroad

1. Career Development: 70% of respondents cited career considerations as a primary motivator, including gaining international work experience and accelerating their career progression.
2. Financial Reasons: 60% of respondents were motivated by the prospect of higher salaries and better financial benefits.
3. Quality of Life: 48% sought better working conditions, including health protection and security.

Implications for Indonesian Labor Market

This trend highlights Indonesian workers' confidence in their ability to compete in the global job market. As Sawitri, Head of Country Marketing Indonesia at Jobstreet, noted, "Jobstreet by SEEK views the trend of Indonesian workers seeking global experience as an indication that Indonesian job seekers are quite confident in competing on the global stage."

The willingness to work abroad reflects both the aspirations of Indonesian workers and the challenges faced by the domestic labor market, including limited job opportunities and the need for career development.