The Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange (SDE) Pilot program was established under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
The program aims short-term work exchanges between the two countries. It also opens up new business opportunities for both Australian and Indonesian companies.
This article will walk you through the SDE program, outline the eligibility criteria for the program and the application process— and how Emerhub experts assist you during the workplace replacement for Australian workers travelling to Indonesia.
Overview of the the Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange (SDE) program
How Does the SDE Program Work?
The SDE program allows skilled workers to participate in workplace exchanges between Australia and Indonesia for up to 12 months. Each replacement can last for a maximum of one year— available from August 25, 2023 to June 30, 2028 with an annual quota. The program supports 1,500 Australian professionals to gain experience in Indonesian workplaces and visa versa —- only in eligible industries. During the replacements, participants can earn certifications such as courses required for licensing.
What are the Eligible Industries?
Exchange participants must work in one of the these priority sectors covered by SDE:
- Financial and insurance services
- Mining, engineering, and related technical services
- Information media and telecommunications services
- Creative economy
- Agri-business and food processing
- Green economy
- Tourism and travel-related services
Other sectors may also be included upon agreement by both countries and after consultations with local industry stakeholders.
Key Requirements for Applying to the SDE Program
Eligibility Criteria for Workplace Replacement
At individual level, applicants must meet the following requirements for workplace replacement in both countries;
- Language Proficiency: Having adequate language proficiency for the position and the intent of the proposed exchange.
- Age Requirement: Being at least 18 years old.
- Licensing and Certification: Appropriate licensing, registration and certification for regulated occupations.
- Employment Status: Holding permanent employment at an Indonesian organization affiliated with specific business councils and partnered with Australian entities.
At organizational level, the applicant's Indonesian organization must have an existing relationship with a partner organization in Australia. This relationship is established through:
- Organizations with Branches in Both Countries: Companies or entities with branches/subsidiaries that operate in both Indonesia and Australia.
- Organizations with Established Partnerships: Businesses or institutions with existing partnerships, such as joint ventures or uiversities conducting joint research.
The Indonesian organization should also be a member of one of the following business associations:
- Kamar Dagang Indonesia (KADIN) - Indonesian Chamber of Commerce
- Asosiasi Pengusaha Indonesia (APINDO) - Indonesian Employers' Association
- Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC)
Alternatively, the Australian equivalents like ACCI, Ai Group, or AIBC also qualify.
How to Apply for the Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange (SDE) Program
What are ANZSCO Skill Levels for Workplace Placement
ANZSCO, the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, defines the skills and specializations needed for specific jobs or job groups. Indonesian workers applying for the SDE program must have jobs classified under ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, or 3.
- Skill Level 1: Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher plus 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Skill Level 2: Requires an advanced diploma (either a New Zelaland Register Diploma or an Australian Associate Degree), associate degree or equivalent, with 3+ years of relevant experience.
- Skill Level 3: Requires and Australian Certificate IV or a Certificate III, 3+ of relevant experience and 2 years of on-the-job training.
Application Process for Australian Workers
The application process for Australian workers joining the Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange (SDE) program has four steps. Emerhub’s team of experts offers to guide you smoothly through each one. From document preparation to negotiating between organizations, we'll help you to navigate your exchange to Indonesia efficiently and stress-free.
Following the process;
- Meet Eligibility Criteria: We will evaluate that your qualifications meet the ANZSCO skill requirements.
- Secure Funding from the Host Organization: We report the host organization’s financial obligations and tax responsibilities, including training, travel, and remuneration expenses.
- Determine Terms and Conditions: We clearly define the goals for your exchange, documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between host (Indonesian) and sending (Australian) organizations.
- Visa and Approvals: Guide your host organization through submissions like:
- Registration for the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA)
- Permit acquisition from the Ministry of Manpower
- Acknowledgment letter from the Indonesian Peak Body
- Application for a C312 Limited Stay Visa by submitting the RPTKA to the Directorate General of Immigration
Business Opportunities Along With the SDE Program
Emerhub navigates the regulations of both Indonesia and Australia for the Indonesia-Australia Skills Development Exchange (SDE) program. Our advisors handle the process of cross-border exchanges, allowing you to focus on business growth and networking.
All paperwork will be managed by our experts in Indonesia from start to finish.
We will guide the host (Indonesian) organization through the necessary registration, approvals, and visa application process —- registering and applying for the Foreign Worker Utilisation Plan (RPTKA), securing written permission from the Ministry of Manpower for the SDE Pilot, obtaining acknowledgment from the Ministry of Manpower, and applying for a C312 Limited Stay Visa approved by the RPTKA.
For instance, if your Australian renewable energy company targets Indonesia due to the growing demand for renewable technology and government incentives, Emerhub connects your company with Indonesian renewable energy firms and ensures the host Indonesian organization fulfills legal obligations while your workers are on-site.
With Emerhub’s network, we can introduce your business to host firms and government entities to support long-term joint projects and workplace replacements. If you're interested, contact us via the form below!