Airlangga: Universities Are Expected To Create Digitally Capable Scholars

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hatarto (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto hopes that the ITS Alumni National Working Meeting (Rakernas) can produce breakthroughs and ideas to help the government achieve the Indonesia Gold 2045 target.

In his opening speech at the virtual ITS Alumni National Working Meeting, Coordinating Minister Airlangga emphasized that the Indonesia Gold 2045 target must be prepared. The government seeks to encourage the creation of superior human resources who are creative, digitally capable, and have an entrepreneurial mentality to welcome the Golden Indonesia momentum.

"Hopefully this Rakernas can produce ideas and innovations which of course reflect the wisdom and breakthroughs made by ITS alumni," said Coordinating Minister Airlangga, in an official statement, Monday, March 28.

Airlangga added that the policies to achieve Indonesia Gold had been carried out. Among other things, downstream policies to increase the added value of domestic natural resources, encourage the manufacturing sector which has a broad impact on increasing foreign exchange and investment, import substitution program policies, and policies related to improving the quality of Indonesian human resources by creating digital talent.

The chairman of the Golkar Party admitted that the potential for the digital economy in 2021 is US$70 billion. This number is expected to increase in 2025 to 146 billion US dollars.

"Indonesia certainly needs a large number of human resources, namely 9 million people until 2030. This is the challenge so that universities are able to produce digital literate graduates," said Airlangga. The government has also provided support through digital talent development. Among others, through Pre-Employment Card and Digital Literacy National Movement for the general public, Digital Talent Scholarship for professional level, and Digital Leadership Academy for leaders.

In addition to increasing the number of digital talents in Indonesia, these programs are also expected to increase the number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia.

According to the Chairman of the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN), the government expects the number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia to increase and reach 5 percent.

The government has also created and provided various regulations that provide protection and convenience to MSMEs, including their financing.

For example, financial support can be obtained through the People's Business Credit (KUR). The government has allocated a budget of IDR 373 trillion with 3 percent interest until the end of 2022.