Indonesia Boosts Startup Development Through Digital Talent Centers. The Indonesian government is accelerating the creation of startups by leveraging its Digital Talent Centers (DTCs), according to the Ministry of Communication and Informatics. The initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship among digital talents, helping them create jobs and contribute to the national digital economy.
On Saturday, Hary Budiarto, head of the ministry’s Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM), emphasized that startup creation complements the primary mission of DTCs. These centers not only train individuals to meet industry demands but also encourage them to launch innovative startups.
“With startups, we can create new jobs,” Budiarto affirmed. “The talents developed by the government will not only serve industry needs but also play a direct role in driving the growth of the digital economy.”
Boosting the Digital Economy Through Skilled Talent
This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics’ broader program to enhance digital talent development in 2024, which is expected to improve the Indonesian Digital Society Index (IMDI).
In 514 cities and districts, the IMDI 2024 recorded a total score of 43.34, marking a slight increase of 0.16 points from 2023. This score reflects assessments across four pillars:
- Digital Infrastructure: 52.70
- Digital Skills: 58.25
- Empowerment: 25.68
- Employment: 38.09
While the infrastructure and skills pillars scored relatively high, empowerment and employment remain areas for improvement. The government believes enhancing these two areas is crucial to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem and ensuring digital talents can find meaningful employment.
Expansion of Digital Talent Centers Nationwide
Currently, 10 Digital Talent Centers are operating across Indonesia, located in Cikarang, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Medan, Makassar, and Manado. However, the government has announced plans to expand the network of DTCs, prioritizing regions that need more digital resources.
The first priority regions for new DTCs include:
- Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Gorontalo, West Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, and West Papua.
The second priority regions will cover Riau, Banten, and the new capital city, Nusantara. The rest of Indonesia’s provinces fall under the third priority for future development.
Creating a Future-Ready Digital Workforce
Through these targeted efforts, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics hopes to equip Indonesia’s workforce with the necessary digital skills and foster entrepreneurial growth. The expansion of DTCs will help more regions access digital education and employment opportunities, empowering local communities to contribute to the nation’s tech-driven future.
As Indonesia continues to build a robust digital economy, these initiatives will ensure that the country’s digital workforce is not only industry-ready but also startup-ready, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.
