Japan Increses Quota for Indonesian Nurses: Official

Jakarta (Antara) - Japan has increased the quota for Indonesian nurses working there, Chairman of the National Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI) Gatot Abdullah Mansyur said here on Tuesday. According to BNP2TKI's data, the quota for Indonesian nurses allowed to work in Japan in 2014 was 187. The number will be increased in 2015 to 348 nurses, who will work in hospitals and houses for the elderly. "Indonesian nurses are as best as the Philippines nurses in terms of service and skill. Many Japanese patients and old people have praised Indonesian nurses for their kindness," Gatot said. However, he reminded that Indonesian nurses must continue to improve their skills and maintain quality of service. Indonesia has sent 1,235 nurses to Japan since 2008. The placement of the Indonesian nurses was based on an agreement signed between the BNP2TK on behalf of the Indonesian government and the Japan International Corporation for Welfare Services (JICWELS). Signed in Jakarta in May 2008, the JICWELS was established by the Japanese government to carry out G-to-G program on the placement of Indonesian nurses in Japan. The program followed up a previous agreement between Indonesia and the Japan Economic Partnership signed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on August 20, 2007. (*) Reported by Indriani Translated and edited by Amie Fenia Arimbi EDITED BY INE