
Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) stated that the number of underprivileged in West Jakarta sits at 113,000 people; an increase of 2,000 from the previous year. Being one of the highest marginalized areas in Jakarta, the unemployment rate in West Jakarta is at an alarming rate of 9%. In addition to that, the world around us is evolving with new technologies and changes to how we live are inevitable. To adapt, it is clear that a strategic and sustainable intervention needs to be done, one of which is preparing our youth with specific skill sets that will grant them more opportunities to improve their livelihood. With the latest education trends, STEM can be the answer. Through STEM-based education, students will not only have advanced hard skill sets but also have a creative, logical, systematic, and critical mindset.
Given the digital crisis talent, Indonesia needs to additional 47 Million people in 2030 for industry 4.0. In response to that, YCAB and PT Lautan Luas Tbk are set to launch the STEM & Work Readiness Program, a 9-month hybrid learning program that enables 100 students from 10 high schools in West Jakarta with digital literacy to prepare them for STEM careers.
The STEM and Work Readiness Program aims to provide marginalized youth with equal career opportunities to address the high unemployment issue and the lack of digital talent in Indonesia. Through this program, youth will be given access to STEM education along with necessary training on work readiness and 21st-century skills. In addition to that, they will also receive coding training such as Design Thinking, HTML, CSS, Javascript, and Web Development for Beginners. Program participants are hoped to gain a better understanding of careers in STEM and be inspired to explore STEM opportunities, while at the same time being armed with the skills to pursue them.
This program will partner with several stakeholders namely the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education and Culture as well as West Jakarta Education Office.