POV: Getting Seriously Valuable Insights Straight from the Minister
Bogor – On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the final day of the MPKMB 62 series at the Vocational School of IPB University was marked by a public lecture from the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Yassierli, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. Carrying the theme “Building a Resilient Vocational Generation in the VUCA Era,” the session highlighted the major challenges young people face amid rapid change, uncertainty, and technological developments such as AI and robotics. VUCA itself stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity.
In his presentation, Prof. Yassierli explained the major challenges facing Indonesia’s labor sector, noting that only 15% of the workforce comes from a vocational education background. He also pointed out the relatively low Human Development Index (HDI) and labor productivity, which still lag behind several other ASEAN countries.
According to him, vocational education plays a strategic role because it is specifically designed to produce competencies that are directly applicable in the workforce. “Vocational training must produce graduates with strong technical competencies, relevant portfolios, and full job readiness so that mismatches do not occur,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of becoming a multi-talented individual. Competency models have evolved from the traditional I-shaped model, which focuses on only one area of expertise, into T-shaped, π-shaped, and even M-shaped models, which involve three main areas of expertise along with one general skill. To face future challenges, the additional competencies that need to be mastered include digital skills and people-centered skills. Through this M-shaped competency model, industries are looking for human resources who can adapt to changing conditions and ever-evolving market demands.
Beyond technical abilities, vocational graduates also need to master soft skills and cognitive skills such as independence, creativity, and innovation. These three qualities are key to staying competitive in the job market. The Minister stressed the importance of developing a future-proof mindset, a growth mindset, and a future-oriented mindset in order to survive and thrive in the years ahead.
Closing his lecture, he expressed optimism that Indonesia has great potential in the creative economy and MSME sectors. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy was able to endure because it was supported by MSMEs. Going forward, this sector will become the backbone of economic growth, and the vocational generation must be ready to become the driving force behind it,” he concluded.
With that message, the new students of the Vocational School of IPB University are expected to continue developing themselves, prepare competencies that are relevant to industry developments, and grow into resilient future leaders amid the challenges of the VUCA era.