Turning the demographic bonus into digital talent
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is entering its demographic bonus era whilst digital transformation unfolds at great speed. Millions of young people will become productive workers in the lead-up to 2045.
On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing skill requirements, whilst threats in the digital space grow increasingly complex.
This situation presents Indonesia with a new challenge. A large working-age population is indeed a development asset, but it does not automatically translate into economic growth.
The business world no longer needs only workers who can carry out tasks, but also those who can learn quickly, adapt, solve problems, and harness technology.
These shifting demands mean human resource development can no longer focus simply on workforce numbers. Indonesia must ensure its labour force possesses capabilities that match the needs of the digital economy.
Data presented by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in 2025 shows that meeting the demand for digital talent remains a major undertaking for Indonesia.
Airlangga noted that professionals in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector account for only around 0.8 per cent of the total national workforce.
At the same time, he stated, Indonesia’s digital economy opportunity is enormous. He estimated that Indonesia’s digital economy could reach US$600 billion by 2030 and become one of the main drivers of national economic growth.
However, that opportunity must be matched by an adequate supply of digital talent. This is where the core problem lies: technological development is proceeding far faster than the process of preparing human resources.
Without sufficient talent, the vast potential of the digital economy will not fully convert into economic growth.
Digital talent is not merely about producing technology experts. What is needed are people capable of using technology to solve problems, raise productivity, and create added value across various sectors.
The window for strengthening the quality of human resources is also time-limited. Data from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), processing projections from Statistics Indonesia, shows the proportion of the working-age population aged 15-64 is expected to decline from 64.61 per cent in 2025 to 60.22 per cent in 2045. Over the same period, the number of elderly people will increase.
This demographic shift means Indonesia must raise the quality of its workforce before entering an ageing society phase.
Going forward, economic competitiveness will no longer be determined by the number of workers, but by their ability to generate innovation and boost productivity.
A new formula for human resources
The development of AI is changing how people are prepared for the world of work. Education is no longer sufficient if it only teaches the skills needed today, because technology and the types of jobs available can change within a short time.
The ability to keep learning is becoming an increasingly vital skill. Digital talent is not only about the ability to use devices or applications, but also the capacity for critical thinking, comprehending information, collaborating, and using technology to solve problems.
Changing skill requirements are also visible in global employment trends. The World Economic Forum notes that analytical thinking, creativity, flexibility, and the willingness to learn are increasingly sought-after skills as technology develops rapidly.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid emphasised that building a digital ecosystem is not enough simply by providing technology; it must be accompanied by improving the quality of human resources capable of understanding, developing, and using technology for national needs.
Digital transformation is not measured by how much technology is used, but by people’s ability to turn technology into solutions and economic value.
This view aligns with the statement of Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria, who stressed that Indonesia must move beyond its position as a technology user and begin entering the creation process.
Strengthening digital talent and infrastructure forms the foundation for Indonesia to produce innovation, rather than merely serving as a market for global technology.
A large population is indeed attractive to technology companies. But the greatest benefits in the digital economy will accrue to countries that master the technology value chain, from building knowledge and developing technology to producing innovation and high-value products.
Building talent
Digital talent is not built when a person enters the workforce. Its foundations begin when a child learns, gets to know the internet, and understands how to use technology correctly.
Children sitting in school classrooms today will enter the world of work when AI has become part of almost every sector of life.
What must be prepared is not only the ability to use today’s technology, but also the capacity to keep learning as technology continues to evolve.
Schools are the starting point, because digital capability is not born from device ownership, but from how children understand, use, and respond to technology from an early age.
Digital learning must equip children with the ability to sift through information, protect personal data, understand digital ethics, and use technology safely and responsibly. These provisions form the foundation that ensures technology benefits life, rather than the reverse.
Through the Digitally Capable Schools Declaration, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is encouraging schools to build a safe and responsible digital culture. This step is reinforced by Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Administration in Child Protection (PP TUNAS).
Talent development must then continue through higher education and into the workplace. The Paham AI (AI Literacy) programme developed by Komdigi together with education partners is aimed at improving public understanding, including among teachers and students, of using AI wisely, safely, and responsibly.
At a more advanced level, the AI Talent Factory, developed with universities, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the SOE Holding Agency, is directed at producing AI talent ready to meet the needs of industry and national technological development.
The link between education and industry is key to ensuring digital skills do not stop at the classroom door. The talent being built must respond to the needs of the world of work and be used to raise productivity across various sectors.
Building digital talent requires collaboration. Schools build the foundation, universities deepen expertise, industry provides space for application, whilst government ensures policies and the ecosystem move in the same direction.
Indonesia’s challenge ahead is not only providing access to technology, but ensuring society can harness, develop, and create value from that technology.
The generation being prepared today will determine Indonesia’s position in the digital economy. Their ability to harness technology, produce innovation, and create added value will decide Indonesia’s competitiveness in achieving Golden Indonesia 2045.