Boosting Workforce Productivity in Indonesia: Initiatives and Goals for 2024
Jakarta (ANTARA) – In a significant announcement, Indonesia’s Manpower Minister Yassierli outlined the Ministry’s strategic focus for the coming year: enhancing the productivity of the national workforce. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of not only increasing the number of workers but also ensuring they are qualified and competitive in an evolving economic landscape.
Emphasis on Quality and Competitiveness
During his address, Yassierli articulated a clear vision for Indonesia’s labor force. “We are determined to ensure that Indonesia’s workforce is not only large in number but also qualified and competitive in the face of a new economic era,” he declared. This commitment aligns with the country’s broader economic goals to remain agile and responsive to global market demands.
Inclusive and Adaptive Employment Landscape
One of the primary initiatives expected from the Ministry involves creating a more inclusive and adaptive employment landscape. Yassierli conveyed the importance of delivering tangible benefits to communities, focusing particularly on job seekers and existing workers. “President Prabowo Subianto has mandated the Manpower Ministry to ensure every policy and program brings real benefits to the people, especially job seekers, workers, and the business sector,” he noted.
This holistic approach aims to address not just the quantity but also the quality of jobs available across various sectors, fostering an environment where both individuals and businesses can thrive.
Competency-Based Training and Certifications
To achieve the ambitious goals of a more skilled workforce, the Ministry plans to bolster competency-based training and certification programs. This involves strengthening vocational and productivity training centers nationwide, thereby ensuring that individuals possess the necessary skills to meet industry demands.
Yassierli highlighted this as a crucial development, stating that “intensive training programs will equip workers with modern skills that match the needs of the Indonesian economy.” By bridging the gap between education and employment, the Ministry is setting the stage for a more dynamic and adaptable workforce.
Digitization in the Employment Sector
Recognizing the transformative power of technology, the Ministry will also focus on digitizing the employment sector. Yassierli mentioned plans to upgrade the job market platform, Pasker ID, alongside the labor database portal, Satu Data Ketenagakerjaan. These enhancements are expected to streamline job matching processes and improve access to information, making it easier for job seekers and employers to connect.
“This digitization effort will provide a modernized framework for job seekers, enabling them to find opportunities more efficiently,” Yassierli explained. The shift towards a more digital approach not only modernizes the labor market but also promotes transparency and accessibility.
Strengthening Tripartite Cooperation
Yassierli underscored the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders in the labor market, including the government, employers, and labor unions. “We cannot work alone,” he stressed. “The success of employment policies depends on solid collaboration among stakeholders.” This tripartite cooperation is crucial for creating an employment ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.
Efforts to engage these groups in meaningful dialogue will pave the way for more comprehensive policies that cater to the needs of both workers and employers, ensuring that all voices are heard in the policymaking process.
Initiatives to Strengthen Vocational Education
The Ministry’s commitment to improving vocational education is evident through various initiatives launched during Yassierli’s first year in office. These initiatives are designed to expand job opportunities and reinforce the national labor ecosystem.
A standout program is the National Internship Program, which aims to involve 80,000 participants in its second batch from November 24 to May 23, 2026. Yassierli described this program as a “concrete step toward bridging the workforce with the actual needs of industries.” Rather than merely placing talents in temporary positions, this program seeks to enhance job readiness and align educational outcomes with industry requirements.
Related Initiatives and Future Focus
In addition to the workforce initiatives discussed, Indonesia is also taking significant steps in other areas of labor policy. For instance, the country plans to base its 2026 minimum wage formula on decent living standards, promoting a fairer work environment for all. Moreover, new national initiatives aimed at strengthening workplace safety are also on the horizon, showcasing the country’s commitment to protecting worker rights.
These comprehensive steps illustrate a broader vision for the future of Indonesia’s labor landscape, positioning the Ministry as a critical player in fostering a skilled, competitive workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s economy.