The Future of Work Initiative: Examining impacts of technology on employment in Indonesia

JAKARTA (Joint Press Release) - The world of work around the world is undergoing a major transformation, including Indonesia. There are several forces affecting it, from the impact of demographic change, the onward march of technology, impact of global warming, labour migration, and to the evolving character of production processes. All of these have implications for employment.

In order to understand and to respond effectively to these new challenges, the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower of Indonesia in collaboration are going to co-host the national dialogue on the Future of Work Initiative titled “The Implications of the Technology Advancement to Jobs” which will be held at Arya Duta Hotel, Jakarta, on 17 April 2017.

The digital economy is inevitable globally and nationally. We need to start responding to the changes caused by the technology advancement and shape a future that works for all. The Government of Indonesia is committed to embrace these changes through various programmes, including preparing skills for future employment and to strengthen dialogues as well as collaborations among relevant multi-stakeholders, particularly the key labour actors of the country."

Hanif Dhakiri, Minister of Manpower of Indonesia

“The digital economy is inevitable globally and nationally. We need to start responding to the changes caused by the technology advancement and shape a future that works for all. The Government of Indonesia is committed to embrace these changes through various programmes, including preparing skills for future employment and to strengthen dialogues as well as collaborations among relevant multi-stakeholders, particularly the key labour actors of the country,” said the Minister of Manpower, Hanif Dhakiri, who is going to officially open the event.

The Manpower Minister is also hoped that this national dialogue would be concluded with recommendations as references for the government to further evaluate and improve government’s policies and programmes in addressing employment challenges in the digital economy era.

The national dialogue is aimed to raise the awareness about the Future of Work Initiative as well as to generate a shared understanding of the forces transforming the work of work in Indonesia. The event also provides a venue for participants to exchange experiences and ideas on how to effectively respond and tackle both future employment opportunities and challenges.

The key question is how we can shape, manage and encourage these changes to keep the world moving towards social justice and fairness at work. Therefore, the ILO greatly support efforts taken by Indonesia to draw on the realities being lived by the government, employers and workers to help shape the policies of the future in the country."

Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia

“The key question is how we can shape, manage and encourage these changes to keep the world moving towards social justice and fairness at work. Therefore, the ILO greatly support efforts taken by Indonesia to draw on the realities being lived by the government, employers and workers to help shape the policies of the future in the country,” said Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia.

Initial results of the ILO’s ongoing research on the impact of the technological improvements are going to be presented, including the results on digitization on the economy and job creation in Indonesia. Interactive sessions in the dialogue include discussions on Indonesian digital economy, future investment, industrial transformation, human resources development as well as future employment in the G20 countries.

Representatives from digital-based companies will also share their perspectives during panel discussions and highlight the contribution to future employment.

The national dialogue is a follow-up to the global Future of Work Initiative launched by the ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, in 2015. The goal of the Future of Work is to generate a shared understanding of the forces transforming the world of work and to equip governments, employers and workers with the knowledge, ideas and policy alternatives to advance the cause of social justice as the ILO enters its second century of work.

In addition to Indonesia, more than 60 countries around the world are currently planning consultations with their relevant actors about this. It is planned that in 2017 and 2018, a High-Level Global Commission on the Future of Work would be established and conduct its work.

For further information please contact:

Grace M. Halim
ILO’s Programme Officer
Tel.: +6221 3913112 ext. 140
Email: [email protected]

Gita Lingga
ILO's Communications Officer
Tel.: +6221 3913112 ext. 115
Email: [email protected]