“Most young people are working, but nearly 8 percent are still unemployed. This is our target group, and it shows that we need to work together (to find solutions),” the ministry’s deputy for quality improvement of families and population, Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, said.
The potential value of the digital economy, if optimized, could reach around US$145 billion by 2025. With rapid digital technological advancements, digital economic potential can be maximized, she added here on Thursday.
However, Sulistyaningrum emphasized the importance of improving human resource skills to help workers remain competitive in the digital economy era.
There is also a need to strengthen the character of the younger generation to prevent them from becoming a “strawberry generation,” a term used to refer to young people who are fragile and less resilient, she said.
“This is a reminder that we need to build strong youth that do not give up easily,” she added.
“Skills must be developed to equip young people as contributors to the economy. At the same time, we must focus on character building," she continued.
In addition, Internet usage in Indonesia is continuing to rise, with Internet penetration reaching 73.7 percent and clocking a growth of 16 percent, presenting a significant opportunity for young workers.
Sulistyaningrum also highlighted the gender gap in Indonesia’s workforce, noting that the percentage of women classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) remains high at 24 percent.
Among the key factors behind the low women’s participation in the workforce are persistent violations of women’s labor rights.
“For instance, unequal pay despite holding the same positions. This is what leads to the low female labor force participation rate in the job market,” she said.
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Translator: Lintang, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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