Kemnaker emphasises the important role of higher education in developing human resources

Sector-wide synergy is important to ensure university graduates have competencies that align with the needs of the business world and industry. Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) emphasises the important role of higher education in developing human resources (HR) and national employment. Secretary-General of Kemnaker Cris Kuntadi, in a statement in Jakarta, on Tuesday, said higher education plays an important role in supporting the transformation of national employment through strengthening research, innovation and the development of talent that is adaptable to changes in the world of work. ‘Collaboration between government, higher education and the business world is the key to producing excellent HR that is adaptable, competent and ready to face the challenges of the future world of work,’ Cris said. As one concrete step, Kemnaker has entered into cooperation in HR development with Padjadjaran University (Unpad) Bandung. Cris said this collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen the linkage between the education sector and industry needs amid changes in the labour market influenced by technological development and digital transformation. ‘Cross-sector synergy is important so that university graduates have competencies that align with the needs of business and industry,’ he said. In the collaboration, Kemnaker and Unpad developed various programmes from enhancing workers’ competencies, entrepreneurship development, strengthening labour studies, to drafting education and training that aligns with industry needs. In addition, this collaboration is also directed to encourage the creation of link and match between higher education curricula and labour market needs so that the skills gap among graduates can be reduced gradually. ‘This cooperation is expected to be able to integrate education, training and the world of work so that graduates have relevant competencies and greater competitiveness,’ Cris said. Furthermore, the Kemnaker-Unpad synergy also includes strengthening vocational training by integrating Kemnaker training programmes with academic capacity, study centres, and the research and innovation owned by Unpad. Cris also emphasised Kemnaker’s commitment to expanding access to improving workers’ competencies through the digital SIAPKerja-based employment service transformation and strengthening vocational training centres that are responsive to industry developments. He said these efforts are expected to open wider access for the younger generation to obtain training, competency certificates, and job opportunities that align with current labour market needs. ‘We want to ensure that young people and university graduates have access to training that is relevant, competency certification, and broader job opportunities,’ he said.