Indonesia Enhances Workforce Skills to Boost Industrial Competitiveness

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized that a highly skilled workforce is the foundation of a competitive manufacturing sector amid rapid technological advances and evolving global economic conditions. He made the remarks in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

"A competent workforce is the key to the growth of Indonesia's industrial sector. The government continues to develop human resources that can adapt to technological change and compete globally," Agus said, as quoted in an official statement.

Meanwhile, Doddy Rahadi, Head of the Ministry of Industry's Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMI), said strengthening the industrial workforce requires robust competency infrastructure to ensure certification processes are effective and aligned with industry needs.

According to him, BPSDMI has consistently developed an integrated competency ecosystem by establishing Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI), strengthening Professional Certification Bodies (LSPs), increasing the number of competency assessors, and expanding Competency Assessment Centers (TUKs).

"The Ministry of Industry, particularly BPSDMI, continues to develop the competency infrastructure required by the industrial sector. A strong competency ecosystem includes the availability of SKKNI, Professional Certification Bodies, competency assessors, and Competency Assessment Centers," Doddy explained.

As part of this effort, the ministry organizes Competency Assessor Training to expand the pool of certified assessors for various industrial certification schemes. The program also serves as refresher training for assessors whose certifications require renewal.

Ronggolawe Sahuri, Head of the Ministry's Center for Industrial Human Resources Education and Training, said competency assessors play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and credibility of Indonesia's professional certification system.

"Being a competency assessor is a noble responsibility because assessors determine whether a candidate truly possesses the required skills. Professionalism and integrity are essential in deciding whether someone is competent to perform a specific job," he said.

Competency assessors are responsible for evaluating workers seeking certification and determining whether they qualify to receive competency certificates issued by the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). These certificates provide official recognition of workers' skills, enhance their competitiveness, expand career opportunities, and contribute to better livelihoods.

The Competency Assessor Capacity Building Program, held in Jakarta from June 21–24, 2026, reflects BPSDMI's commitment to strengthening Indonesia's national competency certification ecosystem. The program also demonstrates close collaboration between the government, industry, professional certification bodies, and academia in developing skilled and industry-ready workers.

The training was attended by 19 participants, most of whom represented certification bodies in the textile sector. Representatives from the LAS Professional Certification Body, the Indonesia Metal and Machinery Certification Body, and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Certification Body also took part.

Through expanding both the number and quality of competency assessors, the Ministry of Industry is confident that Indonesia's national competency certification system will become stronger, supporting higher productivity, greater industrial competitiveness, and the country's transition toward a more advanced and sustainable manufacturing sector.