Indonesia’s young generation must adapt to the changing labor market
Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that the younger generation needs to continue strengthening its competencies and adaptability to cope with the rapidly changing labor market.
Developments in artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, the green economy, and demographic shifts are transforming the types of jobs available and the ways in which work is performed. These changes require the younger generation to possess skills that align with labor market needs.
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“To respond to these changes, a degree alone is not enough. We must equip the younger generation with relevant competencies, work experience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning,” Yassierli said during a public lecture at Baiturrahmah University in Padang on Friday, September 25, 2026.
He stated that the younger generation needs to upskill and reskill. Enhancing competencies not only helps them navigate labor market changes but also opens up opportunities for new types of jobs emerging from technological advancements.
According to Yassierli, the Ministry of Manpower is encouraging the strengthening of both core skills and integrated skills. Core skills encompass technical competencies, certifications, portfolios, and practical experience. Integrated skills, on the other hand, emphasize the ability to combine various competencies depending on job requirements.
“Amid the rise of AI, the human role in creativity, empathy, integrity, and decision-making must continue to be reinforced. Therefore, we must learn to collaborate with technology,” Yassierli said. He added that adaptability must also be cultivated through a growth mindset, experience, and perseverance in developing competencies.
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The Ministry of Labour supports the competence development of the younger generation through vocational training centers, the National Apprenticeship System, talent development, and competence certification based on the standards of the National Bureau for Vocational Certification (BNSP).
“The labor market will continue to change. Therefore, the younger generation must have the enthusiasm to keep learning, improve their skills, and adapt to changes. The government is here to ensure that the supporting ecosystem is in place,” he said. ***rel
Generasi Muda Indonesia Harus Beradaptasi dengan Perubahan Dunia Kerja
Menteri Ketenagakerjaan (Menaker), Yassierli menegaskan, generasi muda perlu terus memperkuat kompetensi dan kemampuan beradaptasi untuk menghadapi perubahan dunia kerja yang berlangsung cepat.
Perkembangan kecerdasan artifisial (AI), digitalisasi, ekonomi hijau, serta perubahan demografi turut mengubah jenis pekerjaan dan cara pekerjaan dilakukan. Perubahan tersebut menuntut generasi muda memiliki keterampilan yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan pasar kerja.
“Dalam menyikapi perubahan tersebut, tidak cukup jika hanya berbekal ijazah. Kita perlu menyiapkan generasi muda agar memiliki kompetensi yang relevan, pengalaman kerja, kemampuan beradaptasi, dan memiliki kemauan untuk terus belajar,” ujar Yassierli dalam Kuliah Umum Universitas Baiturrahmah di Padang, Jumat, 25 September 2026.
Ia mengatakan, generasi muda perlu membekali diri melalui reskilling dan upskilling. Peningkatan kompetensi tidak hanya membantu menghadapi perubahan pekerjaan, tetapi juga membuka peluang untuk memasuki jenis pekerjaan baru yang muncul seiring perkembangan teknologi.
Menurut Yassierli, Kemnaker mendorong penguatan core skills dan integrated skills. Core skills mencakup kompetensi teknis, sertifikasi, portofolio, dan pengalaman praktik. Sementara itu, integrated skills menekankan kemampuan menggabungkan berbagai kompetensi sesuai kebutuhan pekerjaan.
“Di tengah perkembangan AI, peran manusia dalam kreativitas, empati, integritas, kemampuan mengambil keputusan harus terus diperkuat. Karena itu, kita perlu belajar bekerja bersama teknologi,” kata Yassierli.
Ia menambahkan, kemampuan beradaptasi juga perlu dibangun melalui growth mindset, pengalaman, dan ketekunan dalam mengembangkan kompetensi.
Kemnaker mendukung pengembangan kompetensi generasi muda melalui Balai Pelatihan Vokasi, Program Pemagangan Nasional, pengembangan talenta, serta sertifikasi kompetensi yang berlandaskan standar Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP).
“Dunia kerja akan terus berubah. Karena itu, generasi muda harus memiliki semangat untuk terus belajar, meningkatkan keterampilan, dan beradaptasi dengan perubahan. Pemerintah hadir untuk memastikan ekosistem pendukungnya tersedia,” ujarnya. ***rel
