After declared as the winner of the2019 election in Indonesia, Joko Widodo still aims for realizing its vast, but unfulfilled potential. As the world’s 16th-largest economy, it is marked as the next global growth story for decades. However, it consistently failed to live up the investor’s expectations. Thus, Jokowi plans to Invest more for Indonesia Youth Technology Skill.
In his new term, the president plans to continue his Nawa Cita or nine-point development program. Human development and economy competitiveness remain on the main focus of his program.
Developing world-class human resources is his most significant goal.
For decades, Indonesia lack of high-quality technology is persistently acute. Previous Indonesia President has thrown money at the problem.
Read more: Know LinkAja, Indonesia’s State-owned E-Wallet
One of the most marked country development during Widodo’s first term is the wake of its tech sector. The country has successfully produced four ‘unicorns’. They are startups with a valuation of more than $1 billion. Indonesia new unicorns are Go-Jek (a ride-hailing apps), Traveloka (an online travel company), Tokopedia, and Bukalapak (the internet marketplace).
However, Indonesia remains as a country which produces low youth technology skill. Indonesia only creates 278 engineers per 1 million people each year. It is far behind its regional peers like Malaysia or Thailand. Those countries produce well over a thousand per 1 million people.
Jokowi’s Effort to Skill Up
Widodo’s first effort will be to revamp the national program. His administration plans to distribute Kartu Indonesia Pintar, it gives financial support to low-income families. The last term, Widodo disbursed $2.52 billion to 27.9 million students. Next term, he plans to extend the program to university students.
He also plans to turn to the private sector to bridge the skill gap. Before the end of next month, he will release the detail of a new “super deductible tax”. He aims to incentivize companies to conduct research and development. He also expects companies to facilitate vocational training.
Indonesia long term purpose from investing in technology skill is to attract more foreign investment consistently. High technology skills will instantly improve Indonesia’s labor quality.
