TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani revealed her plan to limit the number of foreign workers entering Indonesia. She made the statement in response to the reviews by the House of Representatives (DPR) on the Macroeconomic Framework and the Principles of Fiscal Policy of the 2020 Revenue and Expenditure Budget Plan.

"We share the views of the Gerindra Faction to limit foreign workers only to professions that need expertise or skilled jobs," Sri Mulyani said, Tuesday, June 11.

At the same time, she said, Indonesia will strengthen domestic its workforce. The minister said Indonesia has a large number of young, productive population, but they need to be encouraged to improve their skills.

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To boost the productivity and quality of domestic workers, the government needs to optimize vocational education, training, apprenticeship system, and improve the education system.

To achieve this target, the government will work with the business sector in utilizing technology and investment activities, both domestic and foreign. The development of this technology will be absorbed from foreign investors.

Some time ago, Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri said the number of foreign workers in Indonesia was still safe and under control. He emphasized foreigners must go through strict procedures before they can work in Indonesia. At present, there are around 95,000 foreign workers in Indonesia.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA