For Indonesian migrant workers hoping to work in South Korea or Japan, understanding the difference between official placement schemes is the first step that must be mastered before registering with any training institution. The three terms that come up most often are G to G, P to P, and Independent (Mandiri) — each with a different pathway, cost structure, and level of government oversight.
What Is the G to G (Government to Government) Scheme?
G to G is a placement scheme managed directly between governments, without going through paid private placement agencies. Based on the official structure of Indonesian migrant worker placement, the G to G scheme is used specifically for placement to three countries: South Korea, Japan, and Germany, managed under the Government Placement Directorate. Because it is managed directly by the authorities of both countries, the G to G pathway is generally considered more transparent in terms of cost and carries less risk of broker fraud — although its quota and selection schedule are set according to the official annual quota agreed between the two countries.
What Is the P to P (Private to Private) Scheme?
P to P is a placement scheme managed by licensed private migrant worker placement companies (P3MI), covering destination countries other than South Korea, Japan, and Germany, under the Non-Government Placement Directorate for all regions. This pathway offers more country and job-sector choices, but prospective migrant workers need to be more selective in making sure the P3MI agency they use is genuinely registered with BP2MI, to avoid illegal placement practices or unreasonable fees.
What Is the Independent (Mandiri) Scheme?
The Independent or individual (Mandiri) scheme allows a migrant worker to arrange their own placement process without going through a placement company or the government's G to G program, usually because they already have a direct employment contract from an employer abroad. Even though it is self-arranged, the worker is still required to report and register in accordance with applicable migrant worker protection regulations so that their status is recognized as an official migrant worker, rather than an undocumented one.
Quick Comparison of the Three Schemes
Broadly speaking, G to G suits prospective workers targeting South Korea or Japan through the official government pathway with more controlled costs, but who must compete in a strict annual quota selection process. P to P offers more country and job options, provided you choose a genuinely licensed P3MI. Independent (Mandiri) gives full flexibility to those who already have their own employment contract, but demands extra care in verifying the validity of the contract and the employer in the destination country.
Why Language Preparation Remains Key Across All Pathways
Whichever scheme is chosen, mastering Korean (for the EPS-TOPIK test in the G to G program) or Japanese (for internship and tokutei ginou selection) remains an absolute requirement that determines whether a candidate passes selection. A language training institution (LPK) focused on both languages plays an important role in preparing participants — in terms of language ability, understanding of workplace culture, and completeness of administrative documents — before registering through the G to G, P to P, or Independent pathway.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pathway — G to G, P to P, or Independent — depends on the destination country, document readiness, and your preference regarding the level of government oversight in the process. What's certain is that language preparation and understanding of official procedures from the outset will greatly determine how smoothly the departure process goes, whichever scheme you choose.
Korean & Japanese Language Training Division (LPK Hanggugo Indonesia), PT Legalku Multi Digital.