Jakarta (ANTARA) – The government emphasized its focus on improving industrial workers competencies towards Industry 4.0 skills, as the main foundation for strengthening the national manufacturing sector.In his statement to commemorate 2026 International Labor Day on Friday, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita considered developing adaptive, productive and highly competitive industrial workers as key to maintaining the growth momentum of the manufacturing sector amidst global turmoil.Therefore, Agus reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to producing and developing competent industrial workers to support the performance of the processing industry and make a significant contribution to national economic growth.”The manufacturing industry has consistently been a major driver of the national economy. Therefore, we must continue to accelerate the improvements of workers’ competencies through vocational education, industry-based training and mastery of digital technology,” Minister Agus explained.Aiming to improve workers’ competencies towards Industry 4.0., the ministry has implemented vocational education and training programs at 11 polytechnics, two community colleges and nine vocational high schools (SMK) across Indonesia.In 2025, the ministry’s vocational education units produced 5,472 graduates with competencies needed by the manufacturing industry. Meanwhile, registration for the Industrial Vocational Admission Pathway (JARVIS) is currently open to continuously recruit high-quality human resources.In terms of training, the government has been conducting developing programs at seven Industrial Training Centers (BDI), covering skilling, reskilling and upskilling. Last year, as many as 1,362 individuals were trained, certified and placed through these programs.The Industry Ministry also actively supports the National Internship Program by facilitating 3,969 prospective workers in various industrial companies and agencies.In addition, the BDI business incubator program has successfully developed 37 tenants, employing 212 new workers, with a total turnover of Rp11.5 billion (US$663,274).In line with the implementation of Making Indonesia 4.0, the government provides Industry 4.0-based training and digital transformation assistance for industry players.”In facing the era of digital transformation, the ministry is actively implementing reskilling and upskilling programs for industrial workers. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the Indonesian workforce is able to adapt to technological developments, including automation, digitalization of production processes and the implementation of Industry 4.0,” Agus explained.According to the government’s data, employment in the non-oil and gas processing industry sector in Indonesia continues to increase, from 15.49 million people in 2015 to 20.26 million people in August 2025—the highest level during the observation period.This achievement emphasizes the industrial sector's strategic role as a provider of jobs and a pillar of national economic stability, reflecting the resilience and competitiveness of Indonesian manufacturing.In commemoration of this year’s May Day, Agus also expressed his appreciation to industrial workers.”I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all industrial workers in Indonesia. You are the backbone of the national industry. Continue to improve your competence, maintain your work ethic and adapt to change so our industry becomes stronger and more globally competitive,” he called.