Pendapat Lutfi Ginanjar anggota HIPMI tentang Useless Generation

Summary

The speaker discusses the challenges faced by young people in Indonesia due to the gap between higher education and industry needs. They highlight the growing importance of skills like data science and AI, which are not well-represented in current academic programs. The speaker advocates for an entrepreneurial mindset among students, encouraging them to not only focus on specialized knowledge but also learn how to start and manage businesses. They also mention government initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and improving the ease of starting businesses, emphasizing the need for education reforms to better align with the evolving job market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Young people today face significant challenges in finding jobs or starting businesses, often being referred to as the 'useless generation.'
• 😀 Employers now prioritize skills over formal educational backgrounds, as demonstrated by companies like Alibaba hiring based on experience and certifications rather than degrees.
• 😀 The education system in Indonesia (and globally) is not fully aligned with the rapidly changing demands of the labor market, especially in emerging fields like data science and AI.
• 😀 There is a significant gap between what educational institutions are producing (graduates) and what industries actually need in terms of skills and expertise.
• 😀 The future of work will be shaped by automation and machines, leading to the replacement of many jobs. However, new roles, particularly in AI and data analysis, will emerge.
• 😀 The 'sandwich generation' refers to young people who are financially responsible for both younger family members and aging parents, which impacts their career choices and education.
• 😀 Non-traditional work, such as freelancing, is becoming more popular and financially rewarding compared to traditional full-time employment.
• 😀 In the startup world, businesses are increasingly replacing human labor with automation and AI to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• 😀 Universities should not only specialize students in technical fields but also encourage an entrepreneurial mindset to prepare them for the challenges of modern business.
• 😀 The government aims to create one million new entrepreneurs by 2024 through reforms in higher education, including fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge young people in Indonesia face in relation to education and the job market?

Young people in Indonesia face a significant gap between their educational qualifications and the available job opportunities. Many graduates end up working in fields that are unrelated to their degree programs.

How does the speaker view the relationship between university education and business needs?

The speaker emphasizes that businesses are increasingly valuing skills over formal education. They argue that industries evolve faster than educational systems, and there is a mismatch between what students are taught in university and what companies require.

What does the speaker say about the role of technology in businesses?

The speaker highlights that technology, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning, is replacing human labor in many business processes. Machines are seen as more efficient and cost-effective than human workers, leading companies to prefer automation over hiring people.

Why does the speaker believe certain traditional professions, such as accounting, may become obsolete?

The speaker argues that traditional professions like accounting may be replaced by automated systems and software, which can handle tasks more efficiently and at a lower cost. Businesses are shifting towards technology to improve operations and reduce costs.

What fields does the speaker believe are in high demand but not adequately addressed by Indonesian universities?

The speaker mentions fields like data science, data analysis, and AI as being in high demand. However, they note that there are no specific academic programs in Indonesia focusing on these emerging fields, which creates a gap in the workforce.

How does the speaker suggest that university curricula need to change?

The speaker suggests that university curricula should be adapted to focus on emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and data science. Additionally, universities should foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students to prepare them for the future job market.

What is the 'useless generation' the speaker refers to?

The 'useless generation' refers to young people who are struggling to find stable employment, as they face challenges both in securing jobs and in starting their own businesses. This term reflects the difficulties of finding a career that matches their education and aspirations.

What does the speaker mean by 'generation sandwich'?

The 'generation sandwich' refers to young people who are caught between two responsibilities: supporting their parents or older family members while also managing their own financial obligations. This generation faces significant pressures and often feels burdened by both familial and societal expectations.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need for students to have an entrepreneurial mindset?

The speaker emphasizes that an entrepreneurial mindset is essential because it encourages innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability. Students, regardless of their field of study, should be prepared to think like entrepreneurs to navigate the fast-changing job market and create new opportunities.

What role does the speaker believe government policy should play in fostering entrepreneurship?

The speaker believes that government policy should support entrepreneurship by simplifying business licensing and creating a favorable environment for new businesses. Additionally, universities should play a crucial role in cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets in students, which is essential for boosting the national entrepreneurship rate.