Zaky Almubarok, Jakarta – The government is targeting to send 700,000 Indonesian overseas contract workers this year, an increase of 225,900 compared to last year's total of 474.310.

"They will be placed in Japan, Korea, Australia, and other countries," said the Minister of Manpower & Transmigration, Erman Suparno, in Jakarta yesterday (8/3).

To support this target, Erman stated that he would create new programs, including simpler issuing of passports, which will also be available regionally.

In addition, said Erman, there will be insurance policies that are given to the workers directly and not through their recruitment agencies.

An online information system will also be set up, smart cards will be issued in cooperation with banks so that workers have additional identification and all official costs levied on workers will be reviewed.

"These programs are being carried out in cooperation with insurance companies, Bank BNI, Bank BRI and Bank Mandiri, as well as the Legal and Human Rights Department," said Erman.