BANDUNG | INDATANEWS.COM - The development of electric vehicles and renewable energy is increasing demand for workers with skills in the growing green jobs sector. At the same time, technological transformation is creating new employment opportunities for Indonesian workers. However, these opportunities must be matched by a skilled workforce whose capabilities meet the needs of industry.
Indonesian Minister of Manpower
Yassierli said demand for workers supporting the
green economy would continue to increase alongside economic and technological development. The trend is closely linked to the transition toward a more environmentally friendly economy. Therefore, the government must ensure that Indonesian workers possess relevant skills to fill the various new occupations emerging from the development of environmentally friendly technologies.
Indonesia aims to increase the number of workers in the green economy to around 5.01 million to 5.32 million by 2029. The target reflects the growing need for workers with technical capabilities and knowledge of green technologies across various economic sectors.
"Technology continues to develop, so we must also prepare our workforce. We cannot allow the technology to be available while the workers who can operate and further develop it are not yet ready,"
Yassierli said in his speech at the Green Mobility & Vocational Synergy 2026 event at the Balai Besar Pelatihan Vokasi dan Produktivitas (BBPVP) Bandung on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Growing Technology Requires New Skills
According to
Yassierli, the development of
electric vehicles and
renewable energy is not only driving the adoption of new products and technologies. It is also increasing demand for workers with specialized skills required to operate and further develop green technologies.
Various occupations increasingly require workers with specific capabilities. These include electric vehicle technicians, solar power installation specialists, electric vehicle charging station operators, maintenance personnel, as well as workers responsible for implementing occupational safety and health, known in Indonesia as K3.
The development demonstrates that the transition to a
green economy depends not only on the availability of appropriate technologies. The government and industry must also ensure that workers have sufficient skills to use these technologies effectively, safely, and sustainably.
"The green transition requires technology, investment and, above all, competent workers," he said.
Therefore, strengthening workforce skills is among the important measures needed to respond to changing industrial requirements. Vocational education and training must adjust their curricula to technological developments. Graduates should not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also be able to apply the skills they gain during training in the workplace.
WORKFORCE COMPETENCY: Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasizes the importance of workforce competencies that correspond with the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Press and Public Relations Office/Kemnaker)
Vocational Training Must Be Linked to Industry
To meet the workforce requirements of the green economy, Yassierli emphasized the importance of vocational training that is directly connected to labor market needs. In his view, training institutions cannot operate in isolation but must involve industry in developing participants' competencies.
Industry involvement can cover various stages, from curriculum development and the provision of instructors to internships, competency certification, and graduate placement. This model is expected to help narrow the gap between the skills acquired during training and those required by companies.
The approach also gives industry an opportunity to communicate its workforce requirements more specifically. Training institutions can then adjust their curricula and learning methods to technological developments and the occupations that are actually available in the labor market.
"Our focus is clear: after completing their training, participants should have recognized competencies and then be able to work or establish their own businesses," he said.
Yassierli stressed that the success of vocational training cannot be measured solely by the number of participants. Its outcomes must also be assessed based on recognition of the competencies acquired and graduates' ability to enter the labor market or independently develop their own businesses.
This is becoming increasingly important as demand for workers changes with the development of
electric vehicles and
renewable energy. Relevant green technology skills are expected to help Indonesian workers adapt to these changes while taking advantage of newly emerging employment opportunities.
MASTERING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH: Minister of Manpower Yassierli reminds training participants to also master occupational safety and health aspects when applying green technologies. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Press and Public Relations Office/Kemnaker)
Occupational Safety as Part of Green Technology Skills
On the occasion, Yassierli also reminded stakeholders that skills development must not come at the expense of occupational safety and health. In particular, the use of green technologies involving electricity and batteries requires a thorough understanding of safety considerations.
Knowledge of electrical systems, battery handling, fire prevention, and emergency procedures must be incorporated into training programs. Participants should not only know how to install, operate, or repair systems but also understand the risks involved and the relevant safety procedures.
This aspect is particularly important because workers in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors will operate equipment and systems with specific technical characteristics. Knowledge of safe working procedures is therefore an inseparable part of professional competency.
"We want training participants to have comprehensive competencies. They should not only be able to install, operate and repair systems but also understand the safety aspects," he said.
Comprehensive skills development is intended to help Indonesian workers respond to changing industrial requirements. In addition to technical capabilities, workers must understand applicable safety standards so they can perform their duties while considering the safety of themselves, their work environment, equipment, and other people.
The development of
electric vehicles and
renewable energy will ultimately bring changes not only to the technologies used by society and industry. It will also create new demand for workers who can keep pace with technological developments.
By strengthening vocational education and training, the government must ensure that Indonesian workers are able to take advantage of these opportunities. Cooperation among training institutions, industry, and the government is an important part of preparing competent workers with recognized certifications that meet labor market requirements during the transition to a green economy.
With the target of reaching around 5.01 million to 5.32 million workers in the
green economy by 2029, skills development will become an important task in preparing the workforce for changes in the world of work. This preparation is intended not only to meet current industrial needs but also to strengthen workers' ability to adapt to continuously evolving technology.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala