Indonesia is calling for creative workers to upskill at a UNESCO meeting, citing the need for increased digital literacy and adaptability in the face of automation and AI.
The country’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Satrya Wibawa, highlighted the urgent need for creative professionals to stay ahead of the curve, emphasizing that this requires more than just a basic understanding of technology. “The world is changing fast, and creative workers need to be able to adapt quickly to new tools and methods,” he stressed.
Wibawa pointed out that many creative workers are still struggling to find suitable jobs, and that this is largely due to a lack of skills relevant to the digital age. “Indonesia needs to invest more in education and training programs that focus on digital literacy, AI, and data analysis,” he said. “This is the only way we can ensure that our creative workers are equipped to succeed in a world where machines are increasingly doing the jobs that humans used to do.”
Upskilling for the Future
Wibawa’s remarks were made at a UNESCO meeting in Jakarta, which brought together experts from around the world to discuss the future of work and education. The meeting highlighted the need for creative workers to upskill and reskill in order to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
According to Wibawa, the Indonesian government is committed to providing support for creative workers who want to upskill. “We are investing in programs that provide training and education in areas such as digital design, coding, and data analysis,” he said. “We also want to encourage entrepreneurs and startups to work with creative workers to develop new products and services that will drive economic growth.”
A Focus on Social Protection
Wibawa emphasized that upskilling is just one part of the solution. The Indonesian government is also committed to strengthening social protection for creative workers, including providing them with access to healthcare, education, and financial support.
“We want to ensure that our creative workers have a safety net in place, so that they can take risks and try new things without fear of losing their livelihoods,” he said. “This is essential for driving innovation and creativity, and for ensuring that our economy continues to grow and thrive.”
A Brighter Future for Creative Workers</hassistant
What this means: Indonesia is recognizing the need for creative workers to upskill and adapt to a changing job market, driven by automation and AI. By investing in education and training programs that focus on digital literacy and data analysis, the country aims to equip its creative workforce with the skills they need to succeed.



