JAKARTA, 9 August 2023 – As the world advances at an unprecedented pace, we find ourselves in the midst of a significant paradigm shift. Traditional pathways to employment are undergoing a transformation, and the demand for new and specialized skills is soaring. We firmly believe that by addressing these challenges head-on and fostering enhanced solutions, we can navigate future job shocks with confidence.
The mismatch between the skills demanded by industries and those acquired through formal education is a significant concern in today’s dynamic job market. In Indonesia, this matter is visible from the National Statistics Agency (BPS) Indonesia data per August 2022, which showed that 8.42 million Indonesians are unemployed. From the Manpower Ministry’s database, 673.485 people out of those 8.42 million are university graduates. Many graduates face difficulties finding suitable employment due to a misalignment between the knowledge and skills they possess and the evolving needs of industries.
Furthermore, limited collaboration between universities and industries hinders the development of curricula that are responsive to industry demands. Closer partnerships between these sectors can foster mutual understanding, facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise, and empower graduates with the relevant skills sought by employers.
With this concern in mind, the Indonesia Economic Forum and the Orbit Future Academy invited 21 universities, including the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI), to discuss and formulate strategies that can enhance each university’s capability to educate and train their students.
During this roundtable, the Orbit Future Academy also launched the Orbit Skills Center, a curated upskilling program designed for university students and individuals interested in developing their digital skills and other skills necessary before entering the workforce.
This roundtable was attended by the Cyber University, Telkom Institute of Technology Purworkerto, 17 August 1945 University, Al-Azhar University, Dian Nusantara University, Djuanda University, Ibn Khaldun University Bogor, Indo Global Mandiri University, Kuningan University, Maranatha Christian University, Mercu Buana University, Pamulang University, Pasundan University, Jaya Development University (UPJ), Indonesia Education University (UPI), Dr. Moestopo Beragama University, Muhammadiyah Science & Technology University, Serang Raya University, Slamet Riyadi University, Muhammadiyah University Tangerang, and STIE Equity.
About the IEF Thought Leaders Series
The IEF Thought Leaders Series is a set of exclusive roundtables and seminars that gathers business leaders, governmental figures, organizations, and key stakeholders to discuss the latest issues and trends of the world. This series is done both online and offline, with themes set uniquely to each installment.