Welcoming Industrial Era 4.0, Minister of Social Affairs Encourages Youth to Improve the Quality of Education and Skills

JAKARTA (September, 3 2020) – The Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs, Juliari P. Batubara encourages young people to continue to improve the quality of education and skills in facing Industrial Era 4.0. this was conveyed in the remarks of the Minister of Social Affairs Juliari, who was represented by the Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat at the inauguration of the We Are The Future Program for children assisted by SOS Children Villages Indonesia in collaboration with The Allianz Care Foundation virtually.

According to Harry, citing the results of the Inter-Census Population Census (Supas 2015), Indonesia will experience a demographic bonus period until 2045 where the number of productive age population is more than the non-productive population. The number of productive age in 2020 will reach 68.75% of the total population. The productive age population includes those in their teens.

"This abundance of productive age human resources should be utilized by improving the quality, both education and skills to welcome the industrial era 4.0. The youth who are fostered by SOS Children's Villages Indonesia are expected to be able to play an important role in the development of this nation, one of which is through the We Are The Future Program,"said Harry.

"Social Minister Juliari really appreciates this We Are The Future program, and hopes that this program can continue to run and be an example for other stakeholders and can reach more children so that more teenagers can feel its benefits,"said Harry. 

The Minister of Social Affairs conveyed that through the We Are The Future program hopefully it can reduce the unemployment rate in Indonesia, especially for the young population, where in the current pandemic conditions the unemployment rate is still very high and continues to increase. The high number of youth unemployment is caused by various factors including the inability to access adequate education, lack of information related to the labor market, lack of expertise and training obtained, and lack of networks and work experience.

"Mr. Ari reminded, do not let all children be exposed to drugs, avoid pornography, promiscuity and use social media wisely for good interests or things," said Harry. Social Minister Juliari, advised all children who are starting to grow up to be teenagers, during this COVID-19 pandemic, always obey the rules and maintain health protocols so as not to contract the COVID-19. The Minister of Social Affairs hopes that the children who remain and study at home at this time are always in good health and remain cheerful during this pandemic.

"The Ministry of Social Affairs appreciates what SOS Children's Villages Indonesia and Allianz Indonesia have done because they contribute to improving the quality of Indonesian human resources, especially for teenagers," said Harry.

“To SOS Children's Villages Indonesia, the Ministry of Social Affairs hopes to cooperate more intensively in the future. SOS Children's Villages Indonesia has built an alternative care system for children who are at risk of losing their care in the family with various efforts as reflected in the Family Like Care Program. This is in line with the government's efforts through the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially with the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation," said Harry.

In the future, a system that ensures children remain in the family environment, even with substitute families, will have an impact on improving children's human resources in the future, with better attitudes and behavior.

“I invite all children to continue to learn and be open to changing times and foster a spirit for entrepreneurship. Be a light that can illuminate in the darkness. Continue to excel and be passionate about achieving your dreams,” the message from the Minister of Social Affairs was conveyed by the Director General of Social Rehabilitation.

"The Social Minister expressed his highest appreciation to all parties who have tried to protect children's rights, hopefully this can be our provision in producing a superior generation for a better Indonesia," concluded Harry.

The We Are The Future program carried out by SOS Children's Villages Indonesia in collaboration with the Alianz Care Foundation was carried out for 3 years starting from 2020 to 2023, covering several activities including computercourses, English extension classes, self-resilience programs, entrepreneurship, business management, and apprenticeships that provide experience about the real world of work and as an effort to add experience to youth, as well as provide provisions for young people to become independent by entrepreneurship or a career in the world of work.

The strengthening efforts carried out for teenagers are aimed at preparing the young generation to be independent in facing today's global challenges. Youth who have independence, especially in terms of entrepreneurship, are the nation's investment. With entrepreneurship, youth can help improve the nation's economy and create new job opportunities for many people. In addition, children are also trained so that they can become strong, courageous and responsible youth figures.

The We Are The Future program is a place for teenagers to maximize their potential in order to achieve a better future. Through this activity, young people are trained to become independent people. This skill training activity is also expected to reduce the factors that cause the high unemployment rate in Indonesia.

The Virtual Launching of We Are The Future Program was attended by representatives from SOS Children's Village Semarang, SOS Children's Villages Indonesia, Allianz Life Indonesia and children assisted by SOS Children's Villages Indonesia.