FLORES VOICE- Working abroad is often a dream for many people, especially with a high salary far from the minimum wage standards in their home country.
With a salary of tens of millions, every Indonesian is tempted to work abroad, one of which is Sakura Country, Japan.
The latest phenomenon shows that more and more Indonesian citizens (WNI) are working in Japan and are starting to look at the profession as a bus driver in Japan.
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Not without reason, the compensation package offered in Sakura Country reaches a very competitive figure, namely around IDR 50 million per month.
Why are Indonesian citizens flocking to apply to become bus drivers?
It turns out that Sakura Country is currently facing serious demographic challenges, namely an aging population that continues to increase and a labor crisis in various sectors, including transportation.
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In Japan it has been predicted that there will be a shortage of up to 30,000 bus drivers in the next few years.
To overcome the labor crisis, the Japanese government officially included the road transportation sector in the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme.
However, to become a bus driver in Japan it is not enough just to be good at driving and have a driver’s license. And being a driver is not an easy matter.
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Bus driving is a highly respected profession and demands very high safety standards.
There are several main qualifications that prospective bus driver applicants must meet, including:
1. Skilled in Japanese
Applicants must have a minimum of JLPT N4 certification, however mastery of N3 will be a significant added value for smooth communication.
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2. Passing the SSW Exam
Applicants must pass the transportation evaluation exam (Jidousha Kougyou).
3. Japanese driver’s license
Applicants have a Japanese Class 2 driver’s license (SIM) specifically for public transportation.
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4.Intensive Training
Before entering the field, prospective drivers are required to take kenshuu or in-depth training with seniors to understand standard operational procedures and driving ethics in Japan.
The success of several Indonesian citizens who made history as bus drivers under the SSW scheme has sparked a wave of optimism.
By 2026, there will be 16 Indonesian citizens who have successfully worked as bus drivers in Japan. One of them is Mahatmi Rismartanti, the first Indonesian woman to have a career as a professional bus driver in Sakura Country.
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This high interest is proven by the number of training classes which are starting to be filled with participants from Indonesia.
So, for those of you who are interested in becoming a bus driver, the main thing you must have is mental preparation, driving dexterity, and of course, language skills.
This profession not only offers lucrative economic value, but also professional career experience in one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world.
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Are you ready to become a professional bus driver in Sakura Country?
This article is also supported by data from:
* Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan
Foreign Worker Placement Report (SSW).***
