Report: Indonesia’s youth education, employment still lags in Asean

The Challenges Faced by Indonesia in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The country of Indonesia has made some progress in improving education quality and youth employment. However, a recent Asean survey has revealed that Indonesia still lags behind the South-East Asian average in these areas. This poses significant challenges for the country, especially considering its large young population. Experts warn that if Indonesia fails to address these issues, it may face major hurdles in the future.

Asean Youth Development Index

The 2022 Asean Youth Development Index, published by the Asean Secretariat, compared key data relevant to the region’s youth aged 15 to 35. The report highlighted Indonesia’s performance in various categories.

Education Category

In the education category, Indonesia scored 0.544 for its Youth Development Index (YDI). Although this score is higher than Cambodia (0.24) and Laos (0.239), it ranks 7th among the 10 Asean countries and falls below the regional average of 0.56.

Youth Employment Category

In the youth employment category, Indonesia ranked 8th with a YDI of 0.437. It performed better than Brunei (0.413) and the Philippines (0.341).

Other Indicators

Indonesia also scored below average in several other indicators, including equity and inclusion for basic amenities and youth civic participation.

Recommendations for Improvement

The report suggests that Indonesia could benefit from policies aimed at reducing its unemployment rate and the share of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals. Additionally, targeted regulations on severe disabilities and child marriage could address other issues.

The Link between Education and Employment

Experts and officials agree that there is a strong correlation between Indonesia’s poor education system and its lower employment rate. They argue that the country’s education system is at the core of the problem. The current model is deemed insufficient in preparing the youth to adapt to a fast-changing modern world, which ultimately leads to a higher unemployment rate.

Educational Challenges

With only 6% of the population holding a university-level degree, most Indonesians enter the workforce with an education level of high school or lower. However, the country’s basic schooling system faces numerous problems and fails to equip students with the necessary skills to be competitive in the job market.

• Poor access to education in many parts of the country
• Subpar teacher competency
• Failure to adapt the education system to a post-digital world

Feriansyah, the head of education, research, and development at the Association for Education and Teachers (P2G), highlighted these issues. He stated that the school system still prioritizes old ways of learning based on memorization, standardized tests, and ranking systems.

It is crucial for Indonesia to address these challenges and align its education system with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a brighter future for its youth and the overall development of the country.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

Based on the article, the following SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted:

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets under the identified SDGs are:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Target 8.6: Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Youth Development Index (YDI) in the education category
• Access to education in different parts of the country
• Teacher competency
• Adaptation of the education system to a post-digital world
• Unemployment rate
• Share of NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training)
• Equity and inclusion for basic amenities
• Targeted regulations on severe disabilities and child marriage
• Youth civic participation

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: thestar.com.my

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