“I believe that on the company side, there will be more companies happy to welcome the Indonesian diaspora back than less. Because, again, the skillset and adaptability they have. When they have learned abroad, their skill would be useful here,”
Heaptalk, Jakarta — The desire of the Indonesian diaspora to return to their homeland is projected to increase this year. According to the latest report from a professional recruitment company, Robert Walters Indonesia (RWI), around 60% of overseas Indonesians affirmed they intend to return to the archipelago in the next five years.
In more detail, 13% of the surveyed diaspora are looking to relocate in the next six months, while 12% are planning to relocate in 1-2 years, and 26% are considering relocating in 3-5 years.
The Country Head of RWI, Eric Mary, delivered that one of the most critical factors is their willingness to be closer to their family (68%). From his perspective, the COVID-19 situation with high restrictions also has contributed significantly because it makes them realize how precious is the family time.
Regarding the current global economic crisis, Eric said this was not the main factor encouraging the diaspora to return. As is known, around 200 respondents surveyed are Indonesian overseas residing in Singapore (29%), Australia (12%), US (10%), Japan (9%), and Malaysia (7%). Instead of making the point as the primary factor, Eric claimed that the diaspora has positive sentiment regarding the economy in these countries.
“We are not here to judge the economic situation of these countries, but eventually, that is not necessarily the primary factor that pushed them to come back. Some of them also stated that the situation is not the factor for ‘me’ to relocate. This survey was designed to provide insights to organizations preparing to welcome these talents back when they are ready to return to their home country,” added Eric.
The archipelago remains promising to attract the Indonesian Diaspora to return
The report also revealed that around 29% of the Indonesian diaspora surveyed admitted that the archipelago possesses attractive job opportunities to be part of the companies’ team.
Additionally, influenced by economic factors, around 37% of respondents demonstrate positive sentiments to relocate due to the prospects of establishing and developing business in the country. The salary and overall package offered, followed by the corporate culture and management style and the scope of responsibilities, career growth within the company, and company size and nature, also become another consideration for them to relocate to their homeland.
Moreover, the desire is further supported by economic factors, which are seen to generate optimistic estimations. These factors cover the respondent’s confidence in Indonesia’s economic growth and stability (65%), the rising demand for specific competencies in the country (45%), and emerging industries that match overseas Indonesians’ expertise (29%).
For this reason, Eric emphasized that the diaspora who want to return to Indonesia must return by providing the best value to the company. Regarding salary levels, Eric said that companies will always be careful with this because the companies need to observe in detail to be adjusted to the skills they present.
Regarding the coming trends in the next year, Eric admitted, “I am very positive. I believe that on the company side, there will be more companies that are happy to welcome them back than less. Because, again, the skillset and adaptability they have. When they have learned abroad, their skill would be useful here,”
Moreover, multiple multinational companies are investing in Indonesia. According to him, the ecosystem would be more exciting if the company’s employees were natives who perfectly understood their country’s culture, language, and code of ethics.
“This is all about adaptability and agility. Indonesia contains plenty of outstanding companies, with different working environment styles.”
