JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Information Technology (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid conveyed the importance of increasing women's participation in science and technology to meet the talent needs in efforts to achieve digital economic growth.
"Indonesia is projected to need 12 million digital talents by 2030. The challenge is not only about numbers, but about equal access for girls to participate and grow in it," he said as quoted in a press statement from the ministry.
Meutya highlighted the phenomenon of leaky pipeline or the declining number of women who have careers in the field of technology when attending the AWS Girls' Tech Day event in Bekasi, Saturday.
He quoted data showing that women's participation in digital training reached 36 percent. However, only about 17 percent actually continued their professional careers in the technology sector.
"In Indonesia, deep technical roles such as AI and engineering only involve about 15 to 18 percent of women. We must ensure that digital access develops into real skills and job opportunities," said Meutya.
He explained that there were still several factors that prevented women from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics/STEM), including gender stereotypes, lack of security, and lack of role models.
The government is trying to increase women's participation in science and technology by opening access to knowledge, supporting talent development, and creating a safe and inclusive digital space.
The government also synergizes with industry players to support the increase in the capacity of female digital talents.
The Minister of Communication and Information appreciates the implementation of the AWS Girls' Tech Day Program, which facilitates 400 elementary school students to high school students to learn artificial intelligence, coding, and robotics.
"Don't be afraid to try technology and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The future of Indonesia's digital economy requires your creativity, empathy, and courage," he told the program participants.
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