YCAB Foundation, with support from the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, officially launched Anak Muda untuk Dunia Kerja dan Wirausaha Digital yang Inklusif (ANDAL) program, an initiative aimed at strengthening workforce readiness and expanding digital economic opportunities for young people in Indonesia, particularly women. This collaboration also provides opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in this program.
The ANDAL program is designed to prepare young people for the future of work and digital economic opportunities through two main pillars: workforce readiness and digital entrepreneurship. Activities will be delivered through a hybrid approach, including competency-based vocational training, soft skills development, financial literacy training, Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA) education, affiliate marketing training, and participant integration into various digital platforms.
The program was launched on May 26, 2025, at Manhattan Hotel Jakarta and attended by various stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector, and civil organizations. The event was also attended by Dr. Ir. H. Afriansyah Noor, S.T., M.Si., Vice Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia; Hario Widyananto, Country Head of Public Affairs, Citi Indonesia; and Linda Sukandar, Chief Operating Officer YCAB Foundation.
In his remarks, Vice Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia, Afriansyah Noor emphasized the importance of inclusive workforce readiness for young people amid the rapid acceleration of the digital economy, which requires stronger skills development and more equitable access to employment opportunities.
“Digital economic transformation must be accompanied by adaptive, competent, and inclusive human resources. Young people need broader access to training skills development, and employment opportunities so they can compete and thrive in an evolving world of work. The government also continues to strengthen vocational training transformation and cross-sector collaboration to build a more inclusive employment ecosystem that is free from discrimination,” said Afriansyah Noor, Vice Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia.
He further emphasized that strengthening the employment ecosystem requires collaboration among the government, private sector, educational and training institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and various stakeholder to ensure young Indonesians have more inclusive opportunities in preparing for the future work.
The event also featured a talk show titled ‘Bridging the Gap: Strategic Synergy for Expanding Inclusive Employment and Digital Entrepreneurship’, which highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a more inclusive employment ecosystem and expanding employment and digital entrepreneurship opportunities for youths. This is crucial since BPS-Statistics Indonesia (2024) data shows that approximately 9.58 million young people, or 21.46%, fall under the category of Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
On the other hand, the digital economy’s growth is creating broader opportunities for Indonesia’s young generation. According to the latest e-Conomy SEA 2025 report released by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, Indonesia’s digital economy is expected to reach nearly US$100 billion by 2025, growing by 14% compared to the previous year, while maintaining its position as the largest digital economy in Southeast Asia. The growth of the digital sector has also introduced various new forms of work and entrepreneurship opportunities, including the creator economy, affiliate marketing, and digital platform-based businesses that are increasingly attracting young people.
Through support from the Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge 2025 grant, YCAB Foundation was selected as one of 50 organizations globally to advance innovative employment solutions for low-income youth. Through January 2028, the ANDAL program aims to reach 2,500 young people across Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java, with a composition of 75% women participants and 2% persons with disabilities.
Hario Widyananto, Country Head of Public Affairs, Citi Indonesia, expressed his support for this initiative. “Citi Indonesia has always believed that empowering the younger generation is a crucial foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Through Citi Foundation’s support of the ANDAL program that is carried out by YCAB Foundation, we want to help provide wider access for young people to develop skills, build employability readiness, and seize economic opportunities amidst the ever-changing world. This initiative reflects Citi’s ongoing commitment to contribute positively to the communities wherever we operate while driving economic progress in Indonesia,” said Hario.
Chief Operating Officer YCAB Foundation, Linda Sukandar, expressed optimism about the implementation of the ANDAL program.
“Young people need opportunities to develop their potential, build relevant skills, and prepare themselves for the changing world of work. Together with Citi Foundation, government support, and various stakeholders, we hope to create more opportunities for young people to strengthen their readiness to grow and achieve a better future,” said Linda.