Abstract:
Labor shortage across many sectors in Germany forced the country to act
quickly to mitigate the worsening situation. Due to the ageing population and
unmet expectations of skilled workers in Germany, the shortages of workers need
to be addressed. With the skilled immigration act, Germany attracts skilled
workers from outside the country, especially third countries, to work and live in
Germany as a skilled worker. Indonesia being a country with sufficient education
levels, has the potential to produce skilled workers sufficient for Germany’s labor
shortages. Through cultural diplomacy, Goethe-Institut Indonesien became one of
Germany’s assets in spreading its influence and culture in Indonesia. By becoming
the bridge between Germany and Indonesia, Goethe-Institut Indonesien is a
sufficient place for potential Indonesian skilled workers to know and prepare for
their journey to work and live in Germany in the future. Therefore, to understand
the role of Goethe-Institut Indonesien in supporting Indonesian skilled workers in
Germany, this research will be focusing on Goethe-Institut Indonesien and one of
its programs which is the Pre-Integration Project, which focuses on supporting
Indonesian skilled workers. Simon Mark’s theory on cultural diplomacy will be
used to understand the nature of Germany’s cultural diplomacy in Indonesia.
Understanding the above-mentioned elements, this research found that as a
cultural institution, Goethe-Institut Indonesien played a crucial role in supporting
Indonesian skilled workers in Germany. Goethe-Institut Indonesien managed to
become an institution that affect Indonesian skilled workers life in Germany
through language program and preparatory events. It supports Indonesian skilled
workers in Germany while also supporting Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act.
Goethe-Institut Indonesien as Germany’s cultural diplomacy in Indonesia, is
crucial in supporting Indonesian skilled workers in Germany.
