Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower has outlined three key priorities to address the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and global economic shifts that are reshaping industries and the workforce.
“These three steps are enhancing human resource competency, boosting productivity, and strengthening worker protection,” Minister of Manpower Yassierli said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted that rapid technological advances require both companies and workers to continuously adapt.
Developing relevant skills is essential to ensure that workers can meet industry demands while helping businesses remain competitive.
According to the minister, the adoption of AI and automation will affect various business operations, from production lines to administrative office work.
“Therefore, technological transformation must go hand in hand with preparing a workforce equipped with up-to-date skills,” he said.
The ministry is boosting human resource capabilities, as its first priority, through the National Internship Program and the National Vocational Training Program.
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Both initiatives aim to bridge the gap between industry requirements and workers’ competencies through hands-on learning and practical experience in real workplace settings.
Yassierli said the importance of active business sector involvement in curriculum development so that training materials align with real-world industry needs.
Beyond preparing a competent workforce, the ministry is also expanding inclusive training access and employment opportunities for people with disabilities by providing adaptive curricula and facilities.
Under the second priority, Yassierli noted that workforce readiness must be matched by companies’ ability to manage their resources effectively.
This productivity push is carried out in partnership with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), including developing productivity specialists and mentoring companies on business process improvements, product development, and internal policy refinements.
“Productivity is determined not only by worker capabilities, but also by business process systems and the quality of the products generated,” he said.
Meanwhile, under the third priority, the ministry is ensuring that competitiveness goes hand in hand with worker protection by updating regulations, improving occupational safety and health (OSH), and strengthening labor inspections.
As part of its labor law reform agenda, the government has promulgated Law No. 27 of 2026 on Manpower Protection, replacing Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower.
These protection efforts are also supported by the Industrial Relations Maturity Framework, which promotes transformative and mutually beneficial partnerships between companies and workers through social dialogue.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Raka Adji
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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