Indonesia urges Asia-Pacific cooperation on future workforce skills

Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesian Manpower Minister Yassierli called on Asia-Pacific countries to strengthen cooperation in skills development and workforce training to address technological disruption, including artificial intelligence (AI).

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, he said labor challenges in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly complex, ranging from unemployment and rising informal work to job displacement risks caused by technological advances and AI.

"Indonesia believes that international cooperation is increasingly crucial. Labor challenges cannot be addressed by countries acting alone. Our strength lies in the willingness to share best practices and learn from one another," he said.

Yassierli conveyed Indonesia's views during the 2026 Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday.

According to the minister, stronger cooperation is needed to enable countries to exchange policies, experiences, and best practices in preparing workers for evolving industry demands while ensuring adequate protection for workers.

He said that under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, Indonesia has made skills development a priority to address the mismatch between workforce competencies and changing industry needs.

One of the government's key initiatives is the National Internship Program for university graduates.

The program offers six months of structured industry work experience with government-funded allowances equivalent to minimum wages.

The program is targeted to reach 150,000 participants this year.

In addition, the government is implementing the National Vocational Training Program for senior high school graduates and equivalent education levels, targeting 300,000 participants.

Yassierli stressed that both programs are designed to be inclusive, providing equal opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and people living in remote and border areas.

He said job seekers need industry-relevant training, fresh graduates require work experience, workers need new skills to remain competitive, and vulnerable groups need fairer access to labor markets.

During the ASPAG forum, Indonesia also explored cooperation in several priority areas, including future skills-based vocational training curricula, training centers for persons with disabilities, agricultural community development, productivity clinics, and appropriate technology centers.

"Indonesia is ready to share and learn. We have many things to offer one another to build a stronger and more resilient region for workers," he said.

Related news: Indonesia pushes stronger workplace safety to cut accidents

Related news: DPR eyes 2026 completion of Manpower Bill

Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Anton Santoso

Copyright © ANTARA 2026