Universities key to workforce transformation: Manpower Ministry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Manpower highlighted the important role of universities in human resource development and national workforce transformation.

The ministry's Secretary General Cris Kuntadi said universities play an important role in supporting workforce transformation through stronger research, innovation, and the development of talent that can adapt to changes in the labor market.

"Collaboration between the government, universities, and industry is key to preparing superior human resources that are adaptive, competent, and ready to face future labor market challenges," he said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

As part of the effort, the ministry partnered with Padjadjaran University in Bandung on human resource development programs.

Kuntadi said the collaboration was a strategic step to strengthen links between higher education and industry needs amid rapid technological and digital transformation.

"Cross-sector synergy is important to ensure university graduates possess competencies that align with the needs of businesses and industries," he said.

The cooperation covers workforce competency improvement, entrepreneurship development, labor studies, and the design of education and training programs aligned with industry needs.

The collaboration also seeks to better align university curricula with labor market needs to gradually reduce the competency gap among graduates.

"This cooperation is expected to integrate education, training, and employment so graduates will have relevant competencies and stronger competitiveness," Kuntadi said.

The partnership also includes strengthening vocational training by combining the ministry's training programs with Unpad's academic, research, and innovation capabilities.

Kuntadi also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to expanding access to workforce competency improvement through the SIAPKerja digital employment platform and stronger vocational training centers responsive to industry developments.

He said the effort is expected to expand young people's access to training, competency certification, and employment opportunities aligned with current labor market needs.

"We want to ensure young people and university graduates have access to relevant training, competency certification, and broader job opportunities," he said.