Pre-KTT Youth 20 Becomes A Discussion Room To Discuss Youth Employment Issues

JAKARTA - The Pre-Summit or Pre-KTT Y20 Indonesia 2022 with the theme Youth Employment in Palembang, South Sumatra is a great opportunity for young people to exchange ideas in finding solutions to youth employment problems in Indonesia and the world.

“I hope and believe that the next two days we will have a great opportunity to exchange ideas. We will discuss a very crucial issue related to global youth, namely youth employment," said Y20 Indonesia 2020 Co-chairs, Michael Victor Sianipar in his opening speech at Novotel, Palembang, South Sumatra, as in a statement received by the editors, Sunday, March 20.

Michael explained that there were two sub-themes discussed in the Pre-KTT in Palembang, namely about social safety nets for young workers, especially those working in the non-formal sector and about social entrepreneurship.

He said, there are many challenges faced by young people today. However, he believes that the challenge will be easy to overcome if faced together.

“There are many challenges facing young people, unless we come up with a strategy and also a commitment to grow together. And also to develop together the skills needed in the 21st century," said Michael.

On the other hand, Michael explained that the reason why the Pre-KTT Y20 Indonesia 2022 was held in a number of cities and involved delegates from G20 member countries was to listen to all the aspirations of young people as a whole, not just from one region.

“We really hope that whatever is discussed today, tonight, and tomorrow, it doesn't just end here in Palembang. However, we will develop all these ideas when the summit is held in Jakarta and Bandung," said Michael.

On the other hand, Michael ensured that his party would ensure that all parties participating in the 2022 Y20 Indonesia Pre-Summit could be involved in conveying their aspirations.

"We hope this Y20 will be different, there will be something more significant and impactful," said Michael.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali said that the world community is facing quite severe global challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially young people. He said the situation was also seen from the 2020 Youth Development Index which had decreased.

"Y20 is the right forum that numbers can be used to discuss and try to solve youth problems, as well as encourage the government and leaders of their respective countries to support and identify problem solving," said Zainudin.

Based on the report, the Youth Development Index in 2020 was only 51 from the previous 52.61 in 2019. In that data, the unemployment rate among youth has increased during the pandemic.

Regarding this condition, Zainudin said that the government encourages economic independence and young entrepreneurs to improve their abilities and self-esteem so that they can move to meet the labor markets.

“We want to create young entrepreneurs who can do or prepare their own jobs, without depending on other parties. We encourage young people to become job creators, not job seekers. Entrepreneurship among youth is one of the five priorities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the 2020-2024 period. It aims to empower youth to be creative, innovative, independent, and competitive," said Zainudin.

The Minister of Manpower, Ida Fauziyah said that the Y20 Indonesia 2022 Summit was an ongoing commitment from G20 member countries to increase youth empowerment in the world of work.

Based on United Nations (UN) projections, the number of young people (15-25 years) is predicted to increase by 7 percent in 2030. In 2025, it is predicted that 15 percent of the young workforce will be unemployed.

One of the efforts that can make a positive contribution both in the context of reducing youth unemployment and improving the economy is to synergize these two things, namely increasing the participation of the younger generation in priority economic sectors.

“This event is the right momentum for all of us to be able to discuss, share, and provide input to provide greater job opportunities for young people, especially during a pandemic and digital disruption. working in the informal sector to a non-standard form of work, which is riskier and less secure than working in the formal sector,” said Ida.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi expressed support for the Y20 Indonesia 2020 event. He said his party continues to encourage the role of youth in building infrastructure and competent human resources in order to provide the best service for the community.

"In line with the Y20 Indonesia 2022 activity which focuses on priority issues of youth employment, I strongly support all activities and initiatives initiated by youth," said Budi.

The Deputy Governor of South Sumatra, Mawardi Yahya, expressed his gratitude for trusting Palembang as one of the locations for the Pre-KTT Y20 Indonesia 2022. He assessed that Y20 was a space for youth to get involved in overcoming global problems.

“Y20 is an organization that provides space for our youth who have the competence, dedication, and insight to bring progress, namely to organize the future. Therefore, youth between provinces and between countries can take advantage of this space to make progress, contribute to our country, the Republic of Indonesia," said Mawardi.

During the Pre-Summit, a talk show was also held with VP of Public Policy & Government Relations GoTo Rangga Dian Fadhilah, AIYA National President and Catalyst Lead Adviser for Skills Clarice Campbell, and Social Sector Specialist, Asian Development Bank Sameer Khatiwada.

Y20 at the G20 is an official consultation forum for youth representatives from all G20 member countries to dialogue and submit policy recommendations to G20 country leaders. The Y20 recommendations will be stated in the Y20 Communique, to be taken into account in the formulation of the Leaders' Declaration, as the main deliverable of the Indonesian G20 Presidency.

At Y20 Indonesia in 2022, four priority areas will be appointed: (1) Youth Employment, (2) Digital Transformation, (3) Diversity and Inclusion, and (4) a Sustainable and Liveable Planet.

With a series of activities: Kick Off Meeting virtually; four Pre-Summits for each priority area: First Pre-Summit in Palembang, South Sumatra), Second Pre-Summit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Third Pre-Summit in Manokwari, West Papua, Fourth Pre-Summit in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan; and the 2022 Y20 Indonesia Summit in DKI Jakarta and Bandung.