It is part of the SDGs because this program is enjoyed in 514 districts/cities throughout Indonesia
Bogor, West Java (ANTARA) - The Pre-Employment Card Program is a part of efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) given its wide coverage in Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has said.

"It is part of the SDGs because this program is enjoyed in 514 districts/cities throughout Indonesia," he noted at the #KitaPrakerja (#WePreEmployment) gathering in Sentul, Bogor district, West Java, on Friday.

Hartarto, who is also chairman of the job creation committee, explained that 56 percent of the Pre-Employment Card participants live in villages, 49 percent are women, and about 3 percent are persons with disabilities.

At least 30 percent of pre-employment card participants who used to be unemployed have now found work or have become entrepreneurs, he informed.

According to the minister, 90 percent of the participants have claimed that the program has helped increase their competence, productivity, and competitiveness.

Hartarto further said that the program is one of the most massive government-to-people (G to P) programs compared to other countries.

The Pre-Employment Card Program was launched by President Joko Widodo in 2019 with the aim of improving the quality of human resources.

After two years of implementation, the program, which is in the form of training before entering the workforce, has reached its 32nd batch, with the number of beneficiaries crossing 12.8 million.

After participating in a dialogue with the program alumni on Friday, Widodo said that the program has provided certain benefits, which were conveyed in the President's conversation with four alumni on stage.

"It (the program) will be continued, as the budget for next year is ready," Widodo informed.

"All (beneficiaries) need to be productive. Therefore, upskilling and reskilling are crucial for our country, and this nation's key to advancement is its human resources. If there are many natural resources, but (they are) not supported by human resources, it means nothing. However, if the natural resources are supported well by humans, like (these people standing) beside me, the country will advance," he added.

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Translator: Prisca V, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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