Content Writer 
Did you know? Indonesia has 64 million young people ready to lead the digital revolution! Right now, we’re witnessing an unprecedented digital revolution as people use phones and computers more than ever. This digital revolution, known as Industry 4.0, presents both opportunities and challenges we must face.
Here’s the thing: Indonesia needs 9 million people who can work with Industry 4.0 technology by 2030. Yet, the status quo shows that schools can only teach 600,000 students about computers each year. Thus, we must work together to move forward.
So, why are youth not ready yet? To begin with, schools still teach outdated materials. Yet, Industry 4.0 companies need people who understand Python, AI, and other new technologies. On top of that, most computer teachers have never worked at tech companies. This is why, they don’t really know what Industry 4.0 needs.
The Real Digital Revolution Gap
Along with that, there is also a location problem. For instance, kids in big cities like Jakarta can join coding classes easily. In contrast, children in remote areas like Papua still have trouble getting good internet. This is a challenge Indonesia needs to overcome to learn Industry 4.0. What’s more, parents still prefer their children to become doctors or government workers. For this reason, they don’t really believe that working in Industry 4.0 is promising.
At the same time, Industry 4.0 companies actually look for two types of skills. One type is technical skills like making websites, apps, and data analysis. Another type is personal skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and good communication. Simply put, Industry 4.0 asks for people who are smart and cooperative.
Hope for Indonesia’s Digital Revolution
Fortunately, positive actions are coming. To begin with, the government has a Digital Talent Scholarship program that wants to train 100,000 people by 2025. On top of this, there are coding schools like Hacktiv8, RevoU, and Purwadhika that have great results where 9 out of 10 graduates get jobs within 6 months!
Big companies like Gojek, Tokopedia, and Bank Mandiri also support Industry 4.0 through free training programs, progressing Indonesia’s situation. Yet, is it fast enough to catch up?
Indonesia can have two future scenarios. If we succeed in improving our young people’s skills, Indonesia can become the leading tech center in Southeast Asia by 2030. But if we don’t change, other countries like Vietnam might become more advanced than us. As a consequence, Indonesia would only be a buyer of technology, not a creator or developer.
What We Can Do
In the end, time keeps moving and Industry 4.0 won’t wait for us. Certainly, Indonesia has smart and talented young people. What we need to do now is prepare them with the right Industry 4.0 skills. So, how can we start?
First, we can start small but think big. Many kids can learn coding at home. There are free, fun, and easy apps like Scratch and Khan Academy. Also, parents can assist youth’s growth by keeping up with the industry as well. Next, schools need to change fast through collaboration with tech companies. For example, Google and Microsoft have free programs for schools. These programs teach real skills where students can learn and practice at the same time.
Digital Revolution Through Collaboration
Furthermore, everyone must work as a team. The government can build better internet throughout Indonesia. Companies can offer more internships. Schools can update their computers and lessons. When everyone helps, change happens faster. Most importantly, young people must believe in themselves. Tech skills are not too hard to learn. You just need to start and keep trying. Every expert was once a beginner. Indonesia’s young people are creative and smart. They can learn anything as long as they put their mind to it.
Digital Revolution Success Stories We Can Follow
Additionally, other countries show us what works. India started teaching coding in elementary school 10 years ago. Now they have millions of tech workers. Singapore created special tech schools for students. Their graduates get high-paying jobs right away. We can copy their good ideas and tailor them for Indonesia. Even better, some Indonesian kids are already succeeding. Many young programmers from Indonesia work at big companies like Facebook and Apple. This proves that Indonesian youth can compete with anyone. We just need more of them to have the same opportunities.
Writer: Zulfa Zahro
Editor: Secia Lie
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