Eisya A. Eloksari, Jakarta – The Communications and Information Ministry (Kominfo) launched on Monday its annual Digital Talent Scholarship (DTS) program for this year, as it aims to address the country's digital talent gap.
Recipients of the scholarship will get training on data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and cybersecurity, among other skills.
"Indonesia is facing a digital skill gap, especially in tech industries. That is why we want to facilitate people in upskilling or reskilling their abilities with this program," said Communications and Information Minister Johnny G. Plate in a press release on Monday.
The country is estimated to require 600,000 talents in the digital sector each year to meet the demand for skilled workers.
A 2018 study by the World Bank projects that Indonesia will see a shortage of 9 million skilled and semi-skilled workers in the digital sector between 2015 and 2030.
To conduct the training, the ministry has partnered with more than 90 universities and polytechnics, local start-ups, as well global technology companies such as Cisco, Google and Microsoft, among others.
The training is intended to cater to fresh graduates from universities and vocational schools, as well teachers and entrepreneurs.
Beside hard skill, the recipients of the scholarship will also receive training in soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity and communication.
The first DTS program in 2018 was awarded to 1,000 recipients, while the second one in 2019 had 25,000 participants.
The focus on digital sector training also aligns with the Industry Ministry road map titled Industry 4.0, where it focuses on the use of digital technologies for industries, among other things.
Since the pandemic broke out in Indonesia in March, the ministry has also run an online academy to train people in data analytics, digital marketing and programming, among other things.
It aims to train 50,000 participants this year, while as many as 43,500 people have participated so far.
"Both of these programs are necessary as we are adapting to the COVID-19 era. These programs ensure that we can maintain productivity during this time while also addressing the digital talent gap," Johnny said. (eyc)