Technological advancements not only bring innovation but also significant challenges to the world of work. The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs projects that approximately 80 million jobs will be lost due to rapid technological developments. However, technology is also predicted to create 67 million new types of jobs that require specific skills.
Acting Deputy IV of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Musdhalifah Machmud, revealed that this acceleration of technology demands changes in various sectors, especially in terms of labor absorption. “With the increasingly rapid development of technology, around 80 million jobs will be lost,” said Musdhalifah.
However, this impact is not entirely negative. Musdhalifah also mentioned that there are significant opportunities with the creation of around 67 million new types of jobs, which require new abilities. This is a signal for the education and labor world to adapt and prepare themselves.
Mitigation Strategies: Education and Collaboration
Assistant Deputy for Increasing Labor Productivity of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Chairul Saleh, emphasized that the loss of jobs due to technology is an unavoidable consequence. However, this can be mitigated with the right strategies. One of the steps taken is the revitalization of the education system, especially vocational education, which is more prepared to produce workers who can immediately work.
“Focusing on vocational training is important because current workforce graduates are still mostly with secondary to lower education. Vocational training is more work-ready,” explained Chairul.
On the other hand, Chairul also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and industry. This collaborative approach will determine the right strategic steps to ensure the readiness of the workforce to face changes in the world of work that is increasingly dominated by technology.
Long Life Learning Culture
In addition to the revitalization of education and collaboration, the government also encourages a culture of long life learning or lifelong learning. One program that supports this is the Pre-Employment Card (Kartu Prakerja), which provides access for people to improve their skills outside of formal education.
“Here, people can continue to learn, so it’s not just learning in school or college, but there can also be continuous skill maintenance that needs to be carried out by each individual,” added Chairul.
With the Pre-Employment Card, the Indonesian workforce is expected to continue to develop their abilities, follow technological developments, and remain relevant in the job market.
Conclusion
The technological era brings challenges and opportunities to the world of work. The loss of 80 million jobs is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a major transformation. With the right education, strong collaboration, and a culture of lifelong learning, Indonesia can mitigate the negative impacts and take advantage of the opportunities. Adaptation and readiness are key to facing a future that is increasingly dominated by technology.
