Talent Investment Key to Strengthening Eastern Indonesia's Economy

The business world is being encouraged to increase investment in human resource development to meet the need for skilled talent, which is key to strengthening productivity and economic growth in Eastern Indonesia. Kitong Bisa Foundation (KBF) CEO Mohammad Afif Dzulqifli stated that limited access to higher education poses a challenge in preparing a productive workforce and new economic leaders for the region. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), only 32 percent of students can continue to university after completing high school. This means only three out of ten individuals can pursue higher education. He noted that the growth of business sectors and investment in the region requires the availability of local human resources with capacity, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. This need is becoming increasingly critical with the development of industry, mining, services, and various economic potentials in Eastern Indonesia that demand a capable and skilled workforce. Afif emphasised that investment in education should not be viewed merely as a corporate social responsibility programme, but as a long-term investment to produce a quality workforce, leaders, and entrepreneurs capable of developing the region’s economic potential. Local talent development is believed to provide layered economic benefits, from improving workforce quality and increasing productivity to opening opportunities for new innovators and entrepreneurs in the region. As an example, KBF has partnered with Eramet Indonesia through the Eramet Beyond Scholarship Programme, which has mentored 41 students from various regions in Eastern Indonesia since 2024. In addition to receiving scholarships, participants also gain leadership training, capacity building, and experience in running social programmes. This programme is expected to encourage scholarship recipients to return to their home regions to build the local economy, reduce human resource quality gaps, and create innovation and new business opportunities. ‘I hope that through this programme, friends can provide real impact and solutions. My message to them is to return and help develop their respective regions,’ he said. With more equitable talent development, the young generation of Eastern Indonesia is expected not only to become job seekers but also to grow as innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and drivers of economic activity in their regions.