Starting this year, foreigners wishing to work in Indonesia will be required to pass a language proficiency exam.
The language proficiency exam will test foreigners´ abilities in Bahasa Indonesia, Indonesia´s national language. The proposed exam was first suggested by the Manpower and Transmigration Minister, Jacob Nuwa Wea, in 2003.
Minister of Labour M Hanif Dhakiri stated, “We hope that by February 2015 the revision will be complete and the Indonesian language proficiency test can be quickly implemented for foreign workers wishing to work in Indonesia.”
In preparing materials for the exam, Hanif says the Ministry of Labour has teamed up with the Language Development Institute of the University of Indonesia. The exam will likely be based on TOIFL (Test of Indonesian as a Foreign Language).
Hanif stated that, in addition to the language proficiency test, the revised labour draft will require foreign workers to upload their documents via an online system.
“Other criteria that must be met by foreign workers is to possess a minimum of a diploma or S1 certificate. This will also include a certificate of competency for each job title and a description of work experience,” said Hanif.
Moreover, according to Hanif, foreign workers must also be willing to make a statement, saying they will transfer their expertise onto their Indonesian staff. However, this requirement will not apply to foreign workers with the position of director and commissioner, and impresario services.