Digital disruption creates opportunity to develop new skills: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Manpower Minister Yassierli noted that digital disruption, including artificial intelligence (AI), presents an opportunity for the young workforce to develop new skills.During a podcast recording with ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday, he underscored that those new skills will help the younger generation unlock job opportunities that are increasingly relevant to the changing times.

"They (the young workforce) must prepare themselves and understand the labor market conditions now and in the future—their market entry readiness. There are disruptions related to green jobs and digitalization, which impact the job market," he remarked.

Furthermore, he said it is important for the young workforce to prepare themselves beyond just their existing competencies by paying attention to other aspects, such as strengthening technical, soft skills, and human skills.

"The most important are technical skills, followed by soft skills, which include language skills, and human skills; they must prepare those as well," Yassierli said.

Baca juga: BRICS membership: Indonesia's path to global economic influence

He underscored that mastering those three skill sets is essential as the workforce faces global uncertainty, increasingly stiff international competition, and massive technological disruption.

In facing this situation, he continued, the younger generation must be more adaptive so as not to be left behind in entering the world of work and to seize new opportunities that emerge.

"AI can be used as a tool to help increase productivity," he asserted.

Baca juga: Indonesia sees opportunity to market carbon storage services

To help the younger generation navigate the situation, the government has taken several initiatives, including the National Internship program for fresh university graduates and the National Vocational Training program for high school and vocational school graduates.

"Under the National Vocational Training program, we provide the training ourselves. Meanwhile, for the National Internship program, the training is conducted by the companies we partner with," he explained.

These programs, the minister added, provide participants with firsthand work experience with the same core goal: ensuring they are work-ready.