inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Vice Minister of Manpower Ministry, Afiransyah Noor, says that the industrial world is in need of quality, adaptive, and prepared manpower amidst the digital transformation and AI advancement.

“Right now, we are in the manpower transformation era that is moving so fast. The work industry is now not only seeking a candidate that has a diploma, but also those who have the real competency,” says Afriansyah on Monday (6/15/2026).

Moreover, Afriansyah notes that a diploma is not the only requirement in applying for a job, but they are also required to have real skills.

“A diploma is no longer enough as the industry no longer asks what your major is. Instead, they are more interested in what you can do. This competence certificate serves as a proof that our work force has the capable standard skills that are required by the industry,” adds Afiransyah.

In responding to this challenge, the government will now rerun the MagangHub program that is intended for the fresh graduates.

This program will be funded by the government with IDR 4.14 Trillion and designed to strengthen the competency and accelerate the transition of the fresh graduates into entering the industry.

Through this program, participants will get many benefits from pocket money, employment security protection, professional mentoring, and the opportunity to participate in nationally recognized competency certification.

He explained that certification is a crucial instrument in raising Indonesian workforce competency amidst fierce global competition.

Data shows that as of February 2026, the open unemployment rate was recorded at 4.68 percent.

However, challenges such as technological disruption, automation, and the emergence of new competency needs still require better training and stronger vocational ecosystem that is connected to industry needs.

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