Indonesia strengthens labour data system to improve job matching

JAKARTA, Aug 9 (STUPA) - Indonesia is integrating labour-market data across government agencies to improve job matching and help policymakers respond to rapid changes in the workplace, including the growing use of artificial intelligence and automation, a senior labour ministry official said on Sunday.

The Ministry of Manpower is expanding its SIAPkerja digital platform to connect job seekers, employers and government labour services while building a broader database of workers and companies, said Anwar Sanusi, head of the ministry's Agency for Manpower Planning and Development.

"The world of work is changing very rapidly. The bureaucracy must therefore become more adaptive, innovative and responsive in delivering services," Anwar said in a statement issued by the ministry.

SIAPkerja is being linked with several government institutions, including the population and civil registration directorate at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), workers' and health insurance agencies BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and BPJS Kesehatan, education ministries, the State Civil Service Agency (BKN), the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and regional manpower offices, the ministry said.

The data integration is intended to create a large labour-market database that can provide more accurate information on available jobs and workers and improve the matching of vacancies with job seekers.

It is also expected to give the government a broader data set for developing labour policies based on evidence rather than relying solely on conventional administrative data.

The ministry is working with the World Bank on a project called "Labour Market Information and Skills System Transformation for Labour Market Flexibility", aimed at strengthening labour-market information systems, improving workforce flexibility and developing skills to prepare workers for changes in the economy.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, is seeking to adapt its workforce to technological changes that are reshaping industries and employment patterns.

Anwar said the ministry's digital transformation strategy focuses on developing digital skills and mindsets, expanding data-driven working practices, integrating services across government units, improving citizen-oriented services and encouraging continuous innovation.

The ministry said the measures are also intended to improve Indonesia's digital government maturity and the quality of public employment services. (Rasyid Munandar)