We are optimistic that this program (Prakerja) will continue to run and the House of Representatives (DPR) will approve this flagship program.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto is optimistic that the Prakerja program will continue to run after the change of leadership following the 2024 elections.

"We are optimistic that this program (Prakerja) will continue to run and the House of Representatives (DPR) will approve this flagship program," the minister said at the Prakerja Research Results Dissemination event themed "Continuous Improvement, Evidence-Driven Decision-Making" here on Thursday.

He explained that whether or not a program will continue under the next government's leadership will be determined by the budget. The budget for next year has been prepared by the current administration so as to include sustainable programs such as Prakerja.

If the proposed budget for the program is approved by the parliament, it will run next year. However, he said, there is still a possibility of the budget support for the program being rejected, which would lead to the program not running next year.

Budget cancellation for the program will involve a longer process, he added.

"Of course, the House will approve the flagship program, so that if we propose superior programs, including the Prakerja, in the 2024 State Budget, then this program can continue," he explained.

Ever since the Prakerja program was launched in 2020, the number of trainees has reached 17.5 million from 514 districts/cities.

Hartarto said that the program is currently one of the best large-scale training programs for improving the skills of Indonesian workers.

It remains one of the finest programs for preparing human resources to gain quality skills and competencies in the world of work, he added.

"Prakerja is an inclusive, large-scale initial effort that uses market mechanisms. Prakerja collaborates with various parties, the government, and the private sector to make it happen," he explained.

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Translator: Bayu S, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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