Turning the demographic bonus into digital talent

Indonesia is entering an era of demographic bonus amid rapid digital transformation, with millions of young people set to enter the workforce before 2045. However, the rise of artificial intelligence is changing skill requirements while threats in the digital space grow increasingly complex. A large productive-age population is a development asset, but it does not automatically generate economic growth. Businesses no longer just need workers who can perform tasks; they need individuals who can learn quickly, adapt, solve problems, and utilise technology. Human resource development can no longer focus solely on the quantity of labour. Indonesia must ensure its workforce possesses skills aligned with the needs of the digital economy. Data presented by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in 2025 shows that professional ICT workers account for only about 0.8 percent of the total national workforce. Yet, he noted, Indonesia’s digital economy opportunity is enormous, with an estimated value of up to 600 billion US dollars by 2030, potentially becoming a key driver of national economic growth. This opportunity must be balanced with adequate digital talent. The main problem is that technological development is far outpacing the process of preparing human resources. Without sufficient talent, the vast potential of the digital economy will not fully translate into economic growth. Digital talent does not only mean producing technology experts. What is needed are people who can use technology to solve problems, boost productivity, and create added value across various sectors. The chance to strengthen human resource quality is time-bound. Data from the National Development Planning Agency, based on Statistics Indonesia projections, indicates the proportion of productive-age population aged 15-64 years will decline from 64.61 percent in 2025 to 60.22 percent in 2045, while the elderly population increases. Indonesia must improve workforce quality before entering the ageing society phase. Future economic competitiveness will be determined not just by the number of workers, but by their ability to generate innovation and increase productivity. The development of AI is changing how people are prepared for the world of work. Education can no longer only teach skills needed today, as technology and job types can change rapidly. The ability to continuously learn is becoming increasingly important. Digital talent involves not just the ability to use devices or applications, but also critical thinking, information literacy, collaboration, and using technology to solve problems. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid stressed that building a digital ecosystem is not enough with just technology; it must be accompanied by improving the quality of human resources who can understand, develop, and utilise technology for national needs. Digital transformation is not measured by the amount of technology used, but by the ability of people to turn technology into solutions and economic value. Deputy Minister Nezar Patria affirmed that Indonesia must move from being a technology user to a creator. Strengthening digital talent and infrastructure is the foundation for Indonesia to produce innovation, not just become a market for global technology. Building digital talent begins long before someone enters the workforce. The foundation starts when children learn, get to know the internet, and understand how to use technology properly. Children in school today will enter a workforce where AI is integrated into almost every sector. They need to be prepared not only to use current technology but also to continuously learn and adapt to technological developments. Schools are the starting point because digital skills are 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 sort information, protect personal data, understand digital ethics, and use technology safely and responsibly. Through the Digital Literacy School Declaration, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is encouraging schools to build a safe and responsible digital culture, a step reinforced by Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection.