Technological transformations such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms have changed how people work and sparked debate about the future of work (The Future of Work). These changes bring both opportunities and risks—from growing demand for a workforce equipped with digital skills to the potential replacement of manual and administrative jobs by machines. In Indonesia, this challenge is becoming increasingly urgent because the current workforce’s capacity is not yet fully able to meet the needs for new skills that continue to grow.
Beyond skills, the issue of social protection remains critical, particularly for informal and gig workers who are not yet fully covered by social security systems. This situation calls for more inclusive policy responses, strong coordination among government institutions, and the active involvement of non-government actors. This collaborative study by CELIOS, the University of Erfurt, and Universitas Indonesia synthesizes findings from focus group discussions involving government officials, academics, trade unions, NGOs, and other stakeholders to identify the challenges and opportunities arising from the transformation of the world of work in Indonesia.
Technological transformations such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms are reshaping the nature of work and fueling debates on the Future of Work. These shifts bring both opportunities and risks—rising demand for digital and technology-related skills on one hand, and the potential replacement of manual and administrative jobs by machines on the other. In Indonesia, the urgency of this challenge is heightened by the current workforce’s limited capacity to fully meet the evolving skill demands.
Beyond skills, the issue of social protection remains critical, particularly for informal and gig workers who are not yet fully covered by national social security schemes. Addressing these gaps requires more inclusive policy responses, stronger coordination across government institutions, and greater involvement of non-state actors. This study, a collaboration between CELIOS, the University of Erfurt, and Universitas Indonesia, synthesizes findings from focus group discussions involving government officials, academics, trade unions, NGOs, and other stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities brought by digital transformation in Indonesia’s world of work.
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