In recent years, an increasing number of Indonesians have been seizing the opportunity to work in Japan through programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training schemes. As a result, many individuals have also started businesses that serve as a bridge between Japanese companies and Indonesian talent eager to work in Japan.

What motivates Indonesians to seek employment in Japan? What are their characteristics?

This article provides an overview of the number and traits of Indonesians who wish to work in Japan, the systems that support their employment, and notable public figures who have experience working in Japan.

Increasing Number of Indonesians Working in Japan

According to a report by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as of the end of October 2023, there were 2,048,675 foreign workers in Japan—a record high. Vietnamese nationals accounted for the largest share, making up one-quarter of the total, followed by Chinese and Filipino workers.

The number of Indonesian workers stood at 121,507, ranking sixth in total population but marking the highest year-on-year growth rate at 56%. This surge is largely driven by the rapid increase in the number of Indonesians dispatched to Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government has drafted a plan to send 100,000 Indonesian workers to Japan over the next five years. This initiative was discussed at a forum held in Jakarta in November 2023, jointly organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The goal is to support Japan, which is facing a labor shortage due to its aging population.

While many Indonesians are already working in Japan, this plan significantly increases the likelihood of even more Indonesians entering the Japanese labor market.

Sources:
JETRO: “Record High of 2 Million Foreign Workers in Japan, Over 500,000 Vietnamese”
Kontan.co.id: “Indonesia Plans to Send 100,000 Workers to Japan”

Systems Enabling Indonesians to Work in Japan

There are two primary systems that enable Indonesians to work in Japan: the Specified Skilled Worker program and the Technical Intern Training program.

The Specified Skilled Worker program is designed to address labor shortages in Japanese industries that are experiencing severe workforce sustainability issues. Under this system, companies can employ foreign nationals who possess a certain level of expertise and skills, allowing them to contribute immediately to the workplace.

In contrast, the Technical Intern Training program aims to transfer Japanese knowledge and skills to individuals from developing countries, so that they can utilize them for their home country’s development upon return. Notably, this system is scheduled to be gradually replaced starting in 2027 by a new program called “Training and Employment,” which will focus more explicitly on alleviating labor shortages in Japanese companies.

The following article provides more details about the Specified Skilled Worker program in Indonesia.

Additionally, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) program—which was launched to strengthen economic cooperation between Japan and Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—also serves as an employment pathway. This system allows for the acceptance of foreign candidates aiming to become certified care workers in Japan.

Indonesian Recruitment Agencies for Job Placement in Japan

The strong desire among Indonesians to work in Japan is evident from the large number of recruitment agencies operating in Indonesia that specialize in job placement in Japan.

For example, there are 2,376 LPKs—training institutions that provide language and technical education for Indonesians who wish to work abroad. In addition, there are 435 SOs—organizations responsible for dispatching technical intern trainees, and 362 P3MIs—organizations that send Specified Skilled Workers (as of a survey conducted in May 2024).

While some of these organizations also prepare individuals for employment in countries other than Japan, many are dedicated to teaching the Japanese language and providing procedural support for Indonesians planning to enter Japan.

Indonesian Ministry of Manpower Calls on Japan to Invest in Japanese Language Education Institutions

In April 2024, the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower urged Japan to actively invest in Japanese language education for Indonesian candidates under the Specified Skilled Worker program.

This appeal stems from the fact that many Indonesians fail to reach the required level in exams necessary for entering Japan under this system due to insufficient Japanese language proficiency. While many Indonesians are eager to work in Japan, a significant number are unable to seize these employment opportunities because of this language barrier.

Although it remains unclear what concrete initiatives will result from this call to action, the appeal itself reflects the growing motivation among Indonesians to work in Japan.

Source: Bisnis.com – “Kerja di Jepang Banyak Peminat, Indonesia Minta Investasi Pusat Bahasa” (“High Demand for Jobs in Japan; Indonesia Requests Investment in Language Centers”)

Perceptions of Working in Japan Among Indonesians

The large number of Indonesians desiring to work in Japan reflects a generally positive perception of the country among the Indonesian population.

Positive Impressions

For instance, a 20-year-old Indonesian woman employed at a building cleaning company in Tokyo stated on the web edition of the Indonesian national newspaper Kompas, “I fell in love with the anime Doraemon after graduating high school, and that sparked my interest in Japan. I began searching for the places shown in the anime and browsing photos on Facebook, which deepened my desire to go to Japan.”

It is not uncommon for people like her to develop a fondness for Japan through anime and subsequently decide to pursue work there.

Others cite family pride as a reason for working in Japan. In Indonesia, where pro-Japanese sentiment is widespread, many people view working in Japan as a prestigious and admirable endeavor.

Negative Impressions

On the other hand, some express concerns about daily life in Japan—such as whether they will face language barriers or whether halal food (permissible under Islamic teachings) will be readily available. In Japan, where Muslims are a minority, some worry that the environment may not be sufficiently accommodating for Muslim workers.

Indonesian Media Outlets Providing Information on Employment in Japan

The Indonesian national newspaper Kompas operates a website called “OHAYO JEPANG.” This site offers useful information for living in Japan, categorized into three main sections: “Liburan ke Jepang” (Vacationing in Japan), “Hidup di Jepang” (Living in Japan), and “Bekerja di Jepang” (Working in Japan).

Among these, the “Bekerja di Jepang” section includes content such as minimum wage rates for part-time work and an explanation of Hō-Ren-Sō—a fundamental communication protocol in Japanese companies emphasizing reporting, informing, and consulting.

Kompas is the largest national newspaper in Indonesia, and its website, Kompas.com, ranks among the most frequently visited media sites in the country. The fact that such a prominent media organization runs a dedicated information platform for Indonesians who want to work in Japan further confirms the strong interest Indonesians have in Japanese employment opportunities.

Source: OHAYO JEPANG

---

Company Formation in Indonesia

Reasons and Motivations Behind Indonesians’ Desire to Work in Japan

According to a survey conducted by GoodStats, an Indonesian web media outlet that provides data and statistical insights, Taiwan ranked first and Japan second as the top overseas employment destinations chosen by Indonesians in 2024. In the 2023 survey, Japan ranked first, indicating its continued strong popularity.

While reasons for wanting to work in Japan vary among individuals, there are common themes that explain why many Indonesians choose Japan as their overseas employment destination. Below are some representative examples of those reasons and motivations.

Source: GoodStats – “Negara Pilihan Orang Indonesia Bekerja ke Luar Negeri di 2024” (“Countries Chosen by Indonesians for Overseas Employment in 2024”)

Higher Salaries

According to a February 2024 survey by Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency, the average monthly income of Indonesians was IDR 3,040,719 (approximately JPY 29,600 or about USD 190, based on a rate of 1 JPY = 6.42 IDR and 1 USD = 155.79 JPY*).

Meanwhile, information published by Japan’s National Tax Agency in September 2023 states that the average annual income for Japanese workers was JPY 3.86 million (excluding bonuses), which equates to approximately JPY 320,000 (about USD 2,050) per month.

Although these are averages, the income gap between Japan and Indonesia exceeds a factor of 10, which attracts many Indonesians to work in Japan for better financial prospects.

*Exchange rates are approximate and based on prevailing market rates.

Sources:

• BADAN PUSAT STATISTIK – “Rata-Rata Upah/Gaji (Rupiah), 2024”
• National Tax Agency – “2022 Survey on Private Sector Salaries”

Opportunity to Work for Global Enterprises

Japan is home to many globally recognized corporations, particularly in the manufacturing sector, such as Toyota Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Co., and Sony. A number of Indonesians aspire to gain experience at such prestigious firms to advance their careers.

While Europe and the United States also host global companies, Japan is often preferred due to cultural similarities within Asia and the comparatively lower cost of airfare.

Attraction to Japanese Culture and Climate

Some individuals are drawn to Japan by its unique cultural offerings—Japanese cuisine, anime, pop idols, flower arrangement, martial arts, and more—and develop a desire to work there.

Additionally, since many regions in Indonesia have a tropical climate year-round, some people are intrigued by Japan’s four distinct seasons and wish to experience them, prompting them to seek job opportunities in Japan.

---

If you have any questions or concerns after reading this article, please ask them below.
We will respond within a couple of days.

Example of an Indonesian Influencer with Experience Working in Japan

Neo Japan (real name: Mr. Dian Kusuma) is an Indonesian national who first came to Japan as a Technical Intern Trainee and is now a well-known YouTuber.

When he first arrived in Japan in 2011, he struggled with the language and was unable to hold proper conversations with Japanese people for nearly a year. To overcome this barrier, he devised his own language-learning method—visiting parks and striking up conversations with Japanese people.

He is now married to a Japanese woman and shares insights into his family life in Japan through his YouTube channel, which has 2.2 million subscribers.

Mr. Kusuma also speaks on his channel about the many challenges faced by foreign workers in Japan. For instance, despite doing the same work, he noticed that Japanese employees were paid more than their foreign counterparts. He also experienced bullying and discrimination—issues that many foreign workers face in the Japanese workplace.

In Indonesia, where internet access and social media usage are widespread, once a topic becomes newsworthy, it can go viral rapidly. Although there is a risk that negative news about employers can spread quickly, if dispatch and receiving organizations build strong relationships with Indonesian workers, it can lead to the sustainable acquisition of high-quality talent.

Trends Among Indonesians Wanting to Work in Japan and the Future Potential of Related Businesses

As discussed at the beginning of this article, a growing number of Indonesians wish to work in Japan, and the number of Indonesians arriving in the country is likely to continue increasing in the future.

For this reason, individuals who are interested in launching a recruitment business connecting Indonesia and Japan, or companies in Japan that seek to alleviate labor shortages by hiring Indonesian workers, are strongly encouraged to stay informed about employment-related developments in Japan.

That said, many people may be unsure of where to start—whether they are considering starting a recruitment business in Indonesia or are a Japanese company looking to hire Indonesian personnel.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding expanding your business into Indonesia or accepting Indonesian workers in Japan, please feel free to consult with PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA. We offer extensive support for business operations in Indonesia, including local information gathering and administrative procedures.