Jokowi: Industrial Revolution 4.0 Will Not Lower the Number of Workers in Indonesia

By : Abraham Sihombing And Aldi Firhand. A | Wednesday, April 04 2018 - 20:10 IWST

Menperin airlangga with president jokowi in roadmap industry 4.0 event

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The industrial revolution 4.0 which has been feared will reduce the number of workers as proposed by the McKinsey Global Institute will not happen in Indonesia.

The reason, changes in industrial concepts that previously implemented manually and switch to the computerized system and robotics will still absorb labor in large numbers.

Thus expressed by Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, in his speech at the opening of Indonesia Industrial Summit at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta Wednesday (04/04/2018).

"There are claims that as many as 800 million workers will lose their jobs along with taking over tasks by robots and machines. I do not believe in this statement. If that pessimistic like this I do not believe. I am convinced the 4.0 industrial revolution will be able to create more new jobs than ever before, "said Jokowi.

Previously, Mckinsey in his research mentions, industrial revolution 4.0 will make 800 million people will lose their jobs in the world. However, Jokowi said, the Indonesian government will continue to advance the national industry while maintaining a large labor absorption.

Jokowi said, in addition to maintaining the amount of employment, the industrial revolution is believed to be able to provide a great effect on the national economic growth.

At least according to government calculations, continued Jokowi, changes in industrial base will be able to increase economic growth between 1-2% per year. Even will be able to bring Indonesia much better than a few years earlier.

However, Jokowi reminded, that the industrial revolution is also like a double-edged knife. One side will have a positive impact, but on the other hand a negative impact if one in the management and utilization of technology.

"Therefore, all parties are required to prepare well without sacrificing employment opportunities for the people. So, is this revolution a threat? The answer can be yes, or not. It all depends on us, "he added. (Abraham Sihombing)