Indonesia is no longer just a captivating tourist destination. Now, the country has transformed into a magnet for top talents from around the world. According to recent research, this archipelago is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for job seekers worldwide.

With its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and vast economic potential, this country is increasingly appealing to foreign workers seeking attractive and challenging career opportunities.

As the economy develops and globalization progresses, Indonesia has become a popular destination for foreign professionals looking to explore career opportunities in various sectors, ranging from technology to tourism.

One factor that makes the country attractive to international workers is its economic growth. The country’s economy in the first quarter of this year showed solid growth of 5.11 percent, although it contracted by 0.83 percent compared to the previous quarter.

In terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices, it recorded Rp5,288.3 trillion, while GDP at constant prices reached Rp3,112.9 trillion.

Acting Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti stated that the national economic growth in the first quarter of 2024 was mainly driven by economic growth in eastern Indonesia.

In terms of regions, the highest economic growth was achieved in Papua Province with a growth of 17.49 percent annually, followed by North Maluku (11.88 percent), and Central Sulawesi (10.49 percent).

“Looking deeper, there are three provinces that grew in double digits, namely Papua, North Maluku, and Central Sulawesi,” said Amalia during a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission XI in Jakarta on Wednesday, as quoted by Antaranews.

Indonesia Gains Popularity Among Foreign Workers

The latest report from Jobstreet Indonesia and Boston Consulting Group revealed that this archipelagic state is increasingly popular as a destination for job seekers worldwide. This finding is based on a survey of 150,735 respondents from 180 countries.

Jobstreet Indonesia’s Sales Director, Wisnu Dharmawan, revealed that the nation has risen 18 places as a working destination for global workers compared to 2018 and 2020, from 51st place to 33rd place in 2023. Although Wisnu mentioned that Indonesia’s ranking is still in the middle of the list, he noted that the increase is quite significant.

“It turns out that this country is now increasingly attractive to workers from abroad. In 2018 and 2020, its ranking remained at 51, but in 2023, it jumped to 33,” said Wisnu during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by CNBC Indonesia.

“Meaning, this archipelagic state is now very much in demand for workers from outside to work here,” he added.

Factors Driving Foreign Workers to Come to Indonesia

In addition to income, taxes, and cost of living, Wisnu mentioned that there are four other factors that have led to the increased interest of global workers in pursuing careers in the country, one of which is the friendly and inclusive culture.

“Well, it turns out there is something that makes foreign workers want to work here. The highest factor is the friendly and inclusive culture because Indonesians are known to be quite friendly,” explained Wisnu.

In detail, 50 percent of global workers each chose the nation as a career destination because of its friendly and inclusive culture, quality of life, and quality job opportunities.

Meanwhile, another 45 percent of global workers chose Indonesia because it has a family-friendly environment. Lastly, Indonesia is chosen because of its income, taxes, and cost of living that are suitable.

As for the workers interested in trying their luck in the nation, they come from Malaysia, accounting for 6 percent; Singapore (3 percent); India (1 percent); and Germany, Denmark, and the Philippines (less than 1 percent). According to Wisnu, workers from these six countries choose Indonesia as their top three career destinations.

“It turns out that countries interested in working in this country mostly come from neighboring countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore. The reason is because of the close distance from the home country, making it easier to commute,” explained Wisnu.

In addition to being influenced by the proximity to the home country, Wisnu mentioned that global workers choose this archipelagic state because of its cultural similarities, making it easier for potential candidates to adapt to a new environment.

Meanwhile, Australia has managed to surpass the United States (US) as the most popular English-speaking career destination for global workers. Previously, the US topped the ranking of career destinations for workers in 2014 and 2018. Indonesia is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign workers due to its rapid economic growth, wide-ranging career opportunities, and stunning natural beauty.

With government support and various incentives for foreign investment, this archipelagic state has become an attractive destination for international professionals seeking new experiences and opportunities for career advancement.