Global Efforts to Address Digital Talent Gap: Indonesia's Strategic Approach

Jakarta, INTI - The digital talent gap has garnered global attention, prompting various initiatives such as Decent Jobs for Youth, an alliance aimed at creating quality employment opportunities for young people. Additionally, collaborations like the Digital Skills Toolkit by the International Telecommunication Union and the International Labour Organization serve as knowledge sources in the Digital Skills Campaign.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Nezar Patria, emphasizes that digital skills training is part of the digital transformation strategy. Hence, several countries, including Indonesia, have implemented strategies to reduce the digital skills gap.

"Currently, Indonesia has the Indonesia Digital Vision 2045 as one of the holistic alternative roadmaps in developing the necessary strategies to accelerate national digital transformation," he stated at the opening of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Digital Transformation Center (DTC) 2024 Workshop in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Tuesday (14/05/2024).

The Indonesia Digital Vision 2045 is realized through 8 Imperative Strategies, with two strategies related to human resources development: mastering future digital technology based on research and innovation, and shaping a digital society that is cultured, competitive, and productive.

According to Wamen Nezar Patria, mastery of future digital technology based on research and innovation is carried out through (1) developing innovation hubs and makerspaces for collaboration, (2) enhancing research networks and capabilities, and (3) comprehensive digitization in the economic sector.

"All of this is aimed at supporting job creation and market expansion," he emphasized.

Regarding the formation of a cultured, competitive, and productive digital society, efforts through upskilling and reskilling are supported by various programs.

"This includes training and certification of soft skills and hard skills, scholarships or digital training assistance, and active engagement of various parties to improve workforce absorption and create further job opportunities," explained Wamenkominfo.

Wamen Nezar Patria also revealed that many countries have taken steps similar to Indonesia. Vietnam implemented the National Digital Transformation Program in 2025 with a Vision Towards 2030, focusing on developing digital government and digital society, especially for students, mid-level professionals, and businesses. Vietnam also collaborated with Google to launch the Google Career Certificate program and Google for Startups - Startup Academy Vietnam.

Meanwhile, China launched a three-year plan as a comprehensive framework to enhance digital skills. The plan includes improving digital competencies in schools, promoting public digital literacy, accelerating digital transformation in businesses, and creating inclusive digital public services.

Singapore has several skills enhancement programs, including the Career Conversion Program (CCP) for Individuals, the Young Singapore Digital Leaders Program, and the Technology Association Program.

"All of these programs are designed to provide platforms for students and mid-career individuals to acquire relevant digital skills and prepare to become future technology leaders," he expressed.

At the event, Wamenkominfo Nezar Patria also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration between the Human Resources Development Agency of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology with Cisco and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchinson.