Indonesian Official Calls on Students to Boost AI Skills Amid Talent Shortage
An official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has highlighted the urgent need for university students to develop stronger artificial intelligence (AI) skills. This push comes as global competition for AI talent intensifies and the demand for digital professionals rises sharply.
Bonifasius Wahyu Pudjianto, Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM), explained that AI technology is now integrated into many everyday applications—from device features and language translation to healthcare diagnostics. This widespread adoption is driving a growing need for qualified AI experts.
High Demand for Digital Talent
According to Pudjianto, the demand for digital professionals in Indonesia is significant. Consulting firm Kearney estimates a need for 600,000 digital talents annually until 2030, while the ministry’s own estimate stands at 453,000 per year. This contrasts sharply with traditional blue-collar sectors, where job openings are far fewer than the number of applicants.
He shared an example from Jakarta, where the government opened about 1,000 to 1,500 vacancies but received tens of thousands of applications. The digital sector, especially AI, faces the opposite issue: a shortage of skilled professionals.
Preparing Students for AI Careers
Pudjianto stressed the importance of preparing students to fill this talent gap. Without sufficient local expertise, foreign workers could dominate the AI field in Indonesia. He encouraged a shift from blue-collar to white-collar jobs, recognizing it won’t be easy but emphasizing the opportunity for students to meet this demand.
To address this, the ministry has partnered with Brawijaya University in East Java to launch the AI Talent Factory program. This initiative offers training at beginner and advanced levels, guided by AI experts. The goal is to cultivate skilled practitioners capable of developing practical AI solutions and strengthening Indonesia’s digital workforce.
Impact on the Digital Economy
Developing local AI talent is expected to contribute significantly to Indonesia’s digital economy and overall GDP. By investing in training programs like the AI Talent Factory, the country aims to close the talent gap and ensure that its workforce remains competitive in the global tech landscape.
For HR professionals looking to support digital skill development, exploring AI training courses can be a practical step. Resources like Complete AI Training offer structured programs to help build AI competencies from beginner to expert levels.
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