Indonesia, Switzerland Commit to Strengthening Cooperation in the Manpower Sector

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The governments of Indonesia and Switzerland have committed to pursuing stronger cooperation in the manpower sector, as stated by Indonesian Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah following her meeting with Swiss Ambassador Olivier Zehnder in Jakarta on Thursday.

“During the meeting, we exchanged insights and suggestions pertaining to the bilateral cooperation that has been well-fostered by the two countries,” Fauziyah noted in the Manpower Ministry’s statement received here on Friday.

Fauziyah highlighted several agreements reached between Indonesia and Switzerland, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation regarding labor and employment issues signed in 2019, and an MoU on the exchange of young professionals inked in 2021.

“In principle, both MoUs have been rolled out. We have held reciprocal joint working group (JWG) meetings to implement the MoU on cooperation on labor and employment issues,” she stated.

The minister further remarked that three editions of the JWG had been organized alternately by Indonesia and Switzerland, with Indonesia scheduled to host the fourth edition this year.

“This cooperation provides us with opportunities to discuss and exchange information on labor issues, allowing both governments to reach more comprehensive conclusions,” she affirmed.

Fauziyah noted that both governments consider the MoU to be important for their nations and deem it necessary to extend its active period, which ends this year.

She also drew attention to the agreement on the exchange of young professionals, describing it as a follow-up to the Indonesia-European Free Trade Association Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The minister observed that the two countries are still facing challenges in the implementation of the agreement.

“It is vital that we pay closer attention to the effectiveness of the agreement’s implementation, considering its huge potential to bring benefits to Indonesian and Swiss youths,” she remarked.