Indonesia proposes sending qualified nurses to Malaysian hospitals to relieve critical manpower gaps.
In response to Malaysia’s healthcare staffing crisis, Indonesia has proposed a pioneering solution — deploying trained Indonesian nurses to fill the gap and ensure sustainable patient care across Malaysian hospitals.
Urgent Need for Nurses
Malaysia is grappling with a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, especially nurses. According to Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, some nurses are currently attending to 10–14 patients per shift, far exceeding the optimal 1:6 or 1:8 ratio. The situation has strained hospitals in key cities like Johor Bahru, with the Health Ministry acknowledging over 6,700 nursing vacancies as of June last year.
The International Council of Nurses has also raised alarm, projecting a nearly 60% shortfall in Malaysia’s nursing workforce by 2030 if left unaddressed. This shortage has been further worsened by developed nations actively recruiting experienced nurses from Southeast Asia with promises of better pay and working conditions.
A Win-Win Proposal From Indonesia
In a bold move, Indonesia’s Consul General in Johor Bahru, Sigit S. Widiyanto, proposed a bilateral collaboration to allow Indonesian nurses to work in Malaysian hospitals. Sigit emphasized the mutual benefits: Malaysia can alleviate its staffing shortfall, while Indonesia, which has a surplus of trained nurses, can offer them meaningful employment opportunities.
Sigit pointed out that nearly 70% of international patients in major Malaysian hospitals — including those in Johor, Melaka, and even Sabah — are Indonesians. “There would be no language or cultural barrier,” he noted, highlighting the ease of integration for Indonesian nurses.
Pilot Programme and Regulatory Process
The KJRI in Johor Bahru has already begun collaboration with a hospital in Johor to recruit nurses, starting with a pilot intake. The process still requires approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Health, the Malaysian Nursing Board, and other relevant authorities.
As part of the long-term vision, a ‘sandwich’ curriculum is also being developed. This would allow Indonesian graduates to complete a six-month study programme in Malaysia before beginning their professional service. The initiative is set to begin with nurses from Riau and Riau Islands, chosen for their geographical proximity and high number of outbound patients.
Proven Competence and Global Recognition
Indonesian nurses are already serving in countries like Japan, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Their qualifications are internationally recognized, giving assurance that they can meet Malaysia’s healthcare standards.
Sigit also cited ASEAN agreements that list nursing as a profession open to cross-border mobility, reinforcing the legitimacy and regional support for such a partnership. While certain regulatory adjustments and skill alignments are needed, they are seen as minor hurdles in a promising collaboration.
Education and Recruitment Pipeline
In Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands, Indonesia operates multiple health education institutions, including the School of Health Sciences and Health Polytechnic under the Ministry of Health. These institutions could become key training and recruitment centers under this initiative.
The focus on localized recruitment also ensures cultural alignment and cost-effective logistics, allowing hospitals in southern Malaysia to quickly deploy competent nurses who understand the patients’ backgrounds and expectations.
Indonesia’s offer to supply trained nurses presents a practical and timely solution to Malaysia’s healthcare workforce crisis. For Indonesians, especially those in the Riau region, it opens doors to stable, regional employment. For Malaysia, particularly Johor and Melaka, it promises improved patient care, reduced burnout for local nurses, and a reinforced healthcare system — all while deepening ASEAN cooperation and people-to-people ties.
Sources: Bernama (2025) , Free Malaysia Today (2025)
Keywords: Indonesian Nurses, Malaysian Hospitals, Sigit S Widiyanto, Healthcare Workforce, Nursing Mobility, Johor Bahru
