REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SUKABUMI -- Vice President Jusuf Kalla urged Indonesian migrant workers to be prepared mentally and physically before departing the country. In addition, he reminded migrant workers to master appropriate skills and well-acquainted with the local language and culture.

At the commemoration of International Migrant Workers Day here on Tuesday, Kalla emphasized that it was no easy task being a migrant worker. The vice president affirmed that migrant workers were required to adapt to the local language, climate, culture, and working habits in their respective countries.

On the occasion, Kalla applauded Indonesian migrant workers for having worked hard for their families while concurrently contributing to the country's foreign exchange inflow. Migrant workers, who have returned to Indonesia, can share their experiences of working in foreign countries with those planning to become migrant workers, he remarked.

Kalla has also called on workers, who have returned to Indonesia, to utilize their money to establish businesses in their hometowns.

"Once again I congratulate those, who have returned to the country, and hope that you would use the experience and income during employment in foreign countries. For those who have planned to work abroad, improve your capability to earn better wages," he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Manpower Minister M. Hanif Dhakiri stated that the number of Indonesian migrant workers had reached nine million. Dhakiri noted that the government will ensure protection for migrant workers.

International Migrant Workers Day is commemorated on Dec 18 based on the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.

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