Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has officially launched the 2024 Indonesia Digital Society Index (IMDI), a new measurement tool that reveals the level of competence and skills of the public in utilizing digital technology. During an event held in South Jakarta on Tuesday (10/09/2024), Head of the Human Resource Development Agency (BPSDM) Kominfo, Hary Budiarto, presented key data regarding Indonesia's need for digital talent.
Hary Budiarto explained that Indonesia’s digital talent demand is projected to reach 12 million by 2030, a significant increase from earlier predictions. “In 2015, research by McKinsey and the WEF stated that Indonesia needed 9 million digital talents. However, based on the latest measurement from IMDI, that number has now risen to 12 million,” he stated.
The 2024 IMDI is based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The measurement shows that Indonesian universities can produce around 9 million digital talents by 2030, leaving a shortfall of 3 million talents.
“This is a major task for Kominfo. While we can produce up to 9 million graduates, we still need to bridge the gap of 3 million digital talents in a relatively short time,” explained Hary. Additionally, the IMDI maps out the demand for digital talent across provinces, cities, and districts, highlighting regions with either an oversupply or shortage of skilled professionals.
Efforts to Develop Digital Talent
To meet this shortage, Kominfo aims to train around 500,000 digital talents annually. By focusing on upskilling and reskilling, it is hoped that this gap can be swiftly closed.
Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, in his speech, emphasized the importance of these efforts in light of the rapid global technological development. He noted that by 2025, an estimated 149 million new digital jobs are expected to emerge globally.
“In Indonesia, automation is projected to create between 27 million and 46 million new jobs by 2030. The biggest challenge is addressing the skills gap resulting from technological disruption,” he stated. Budi Arie emphasized the need for digital talents with mid-to-advanced skills to respond to these changes.
Boosting Global Competitiveness
The 2024 IMDI is expected to not only serve as a measurement tool but also as a strategic guide for developing globally competitive Indonesian digital talents. Minister Budi Arie stated that the government will use the index to guide policy decisions related to the digital economy, with a broader vision of achieving the Golden Indonesia 2045 target.
“With the IMDI, we will not only enhance the global competitiveness of our digital talents but also maximize Indonesia’s digital economy potential, which is projected to reach USD 220 to USD 360 billion by 2030,” he remarked.