Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged state officials to increase human resources training program in 2018.

"In 2018, we should be concerned about human resources training program. Our population is 250 million, of which 60 percent are young people," Jokowi stated during the plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace here on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Ministers of the Working Cabinet, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Police Chief General Tito Karnavian, and other state officials.

"Demographic bonuses should be used as our strengths and opportunities, through vocational education and training that have started since 2017," he remarked.

The president also urged his ministers to help improve the labor qualification pyramid in an attempt to increase the skills of workers.

"As a result, the skilled workers can be absorbed in our industries," Jokowi stated.

Therefore, the skills taught in vocational schools should be in line with the needs of the industry.

Moreover, the majority of prospective workers had just finished elementary and junior high school.

"We should improve their skills through job training program, apprenticeship, and certification program. We should expand those programs based on the needs of the industries," the president pointed out.

In addition, the president instructed all ministries and agencies to immediately execute programs and work activities after submitting the 2017 budget execution list.

"We should focus on eliminating poverty and inequality," he stated.

(UU.A063/B/KR-BSR/A014)

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018