Indonesia Needs Digital Talent: Are You Ready to Be One?
Surabaya, 28 June 2026 – Indonesia is facing a steadily increasing demand for digital talent. A report by the World Bank in collaboration with Geekhunter estimates that Indonesia will experience a shortage of up to nine million digital talents in the next few years. On the other hand, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) noted that the unemployment rate for university graduates remained at 5.39 per cent as of August 2025.
At first glance, these two facts appear contradictory. However, this condition reflects a long-standing challenge: the gap between graduate competence and industry requirements, also known as a skill shortage. The Head of the Job Market Centre at the Ministry of Manpower, Surya Lukita Warman, also stated in September 2025 that many companies still believe new graduates, particularly Gen Z, need to strengthen abilities such as communication, collaboration, and adaptation within the working environment.
In addition to mastering technical competencies, the professional world now increasingly demands experience that can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to work within diverse teams. Unfortunately, opportunities to develop these skills are not always obtained through classroom learning.
One method increasingly chosen by young people is gaining professional experience in international environments. Through the outgoing Global Talent (oGT) programme facilitated by AIESEC in Surabaya, students and recent graduates have the opportunity to undertake internships in various countries. During the programme, participants not only develop skills relevant to their specific fields but also learn to adapt to different work cultures, build cross-cultural communication, and collaborate with colleagues from various backgrounds.
Such experience becomes increasingly relevant amidst evolving industry needs. Besides strengthening professional competence, working in an international environment also trains adaptability, leadership, and the global mindset that is now increasingly required across various sectors.
Amidst increasingly competitive global job markets, self-development is no longer measured solely by academic grades. Real-world experience, the ability to work in multicultural environments, and the courage to face new challenges serve as added value that can differentiate a candidate in the eyes of a company.