Encouraging an Increase in the Number and Competence of Digital Talents in Indonesia

Although the growth of local startups is increasing in number, this is not accompanied by a growth in the number of ready-to-work developers. Many large technology companies are taking shortcuts by hiring workers from other countries, especially India.

DailySocial trying to understand the constraints, challenges, and potential solutions to help increase the number and competence of local developers.

Understanding the curriculum

Even though basic they already quite understand what programming is, it is claimed that there are still many computer science scholars who do not properly master the concept of programming languages ​​as a whole.

Hactiv8 CEO Ronald Ishak claims the curriculum taught to students at universities is not accompanied by Update rapidly changing technology. The standardization of teaching given by lecturers is mostly only about fundamental concepts. This limits their insight and knowledge of programming languages.

"Based on a report released by the World Bank in 2019, only about 16% of Computer Science graduates in Indonesia are working. In my opinion, this number is very bad," said Ronald.

According to Kotakode CEO Peter Tanugraha's observation, there are still many universities that do not use the latest materials. Ideally all materials, modules and textbooks always updated. It is not recommended to use old material that is no longer relevant.

"For example, for a year-end project at school, we still use stack which is quite old in age which is currently never used, but most of it is still taught in schools," said Peter.

Meanwhile, according to the CEO of PT Brainmatics Cipta Informatika Romi Satria Wahono, learning from his experiences so far when dealing with the world of education and academia, curriculum issues are indeed an obstacle that causes the number of qualified developers in Indonesia to be not massive. The problem of piling up courses is also considered to limit students from doing direct training.

"Unlike other countries, Indonesia's learning system focuses on memorization. Students are not taught to think more critically and innovatively, which in this case will really help them master programming languages," said Romi.

Romi sees that it is better for lecturers to be more active in enriching their knowledge, attending seminars, and being more closely involved with students by inviting them to join a project. It is also important for universities to update their modules and textbooks, adapt Update of the material they collect.

"Teaching people You can't just think about the material, but rather the desire to provide relevant education to students," said Romi.

On the other hand, Romi sees that ideally the leading technology companies in Indonesia are not only focused on those who are ready to work. Companies should provide education and training to those who have just graduated from college when joining the company.

Platform role coding classes

Currently, more and more students and the general public are taking advantage of the class coding or programming training that platforms like Hacktiv8, Coded, Progate or Code city. One of the advantages claimed by a platform like this is the content updates that are carried out regularly.

"There have been many students who have decided to take additional knowledge independently using our platform. We see that most of them have been successful and have successfully worked in well-known startups and technology companies in the country," said Ronald.

Hacktiv8 also takes an approach to tech companies. They help find talent by skill what the company needs right now.

"Hacktiv8 better prepares talents according to the direction they are trying to achieve. Thus, when they graduate from our program, they will be more ready to work," said Ronald.

Meanwhile, Kotakode tries to make it easier for Indonesian developers to learn material that is usually only available in English. Although developers should ideally understand English, the company tries to bridge the gap between talent and deep learning of technical materials.

"Kotakode is building infrastructure Programming by adding content on Google and providing accessible Q&A. [..] It is Kotakode's contribution to help talent in Indonesia by providing Resources big one," said Peter.

Indonesian developer potential

Entering 2021, according to Ronald, there have been many achievements and an increase in the number of Indonesian digital talents. However, there are some issues that still bother him. One of them is the low appreciation of startups to Indonesian developers in terms of salaries. There are still many developers with above-average abilities who are not rewarded with appropriate salaries. As a result, many choose to work in other countries.

"Condition working remotely now it has made it easier for them to work flexibly, so that more and more programmer from Indonesia who choose to work in companies from Singapore and Malaysia that offer (more) higher salaries," said Ronald.

According to Ronald, in 2021 the focus is no longer on developers, but architects or Product Managers whose quality is considered below average and lacks understanding of how to build an ideal product. In the end, technology companies (again) use foreign workers who have the ability and experience to design products.

"From that condition it's good programmer local can learn style and skill they [foreign workers], so they can add insight and experience," said Ronald.

Meanwhile, according to Peter, the trend of hiring teams from other countries is based on the need to recruit teams in large numbers and have good experience and skills. No wonder it led to the opening of offices in other countries. This is a strategic move.

Romi predict skill what developers need is not only expertise in coding, but also the ability to convey ideas and good communication. For this reason, Romi advised students to be more active in joining various communities on campus.

"I see not only specialist geek only will be born later, but also versatility who are able to convey their ideas well," said Romi.