"Actually, Indonesian workers are not less qualified than workers in other countries. They just need to undergo proper training and capacity building," James T. Riady, vice chairman of Indonesia`s Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), said expla
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - James T. Riady, vice chairman of Indonesia`s Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), said that the government should come up with ways to increase the productivity of Indonesian workers.

"Businesses in the country are waiting for the government`s plan to improve workers` quality, in terms of competitiveness and productivity. This is to ensure that the country is ready to face the free market era," said Riady, during Kadin`s meeting with the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), on Thursday.

According to him, Indonesian workers have to be ready to face the challenges in the market, especially after the implementation of a free market, through the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), in 2015.

He believes that the government should assist companies in Indonesia by enhancing workers' competitiveness and productivity, through employment training.

"Actually, Indonesian workers are not less qualified than workers in other countries. They just need to undergo proper training and capacity building," he explained.

Riady stated that Kadin will organise programmes to improve the quality of the workers.

"However, the government`s support is required in conducting such programmes," he added.

In addition, he said that the government should provide tax incentives to companies so that they can facilitate training for their workers.

According to Riady, the re-establishment of the National Productivity Agency is necessary to improve the workers` quality.

"It is a good idea, but as we know, enterprises have been providing training for workers so far. So, eventually, it is about empowering these enterprises so that they can provide training, which will enhance the workers` productivity and competitiveness," he pointed out.

Meanwhile, Sumarna F Abdurahman, Chairman of the Committee on Workforce Competency Certification of Kadin, stated that Kadin has come up with a programme so that Indonesia is prepared to face future economic challenges.

According to him, the programme aims to improve national competency standards, and seeks to establish a competency certification agency.

Earlier, Suharyadi, Chairman of the Committee on Education and Human Resources of Kadin, said that Indonesia is not ready to face a free market because of the workers' qualifications.

According to the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), Indonesia was ranked 46 (out of 142 countries) from 2010 to 2011, and it has been ranked 50 (out of 138 countries) from 2011 to 2012.

He said that the government should provide good-quality education to produce competent individuals that can compete in a free market.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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