Indonesia seeks vocational training role for special economic zones
Manpower Minister Yassierli proposed bringing national apprenticeship and vocational programmes into the zones to help develop skilled workers.
Indonesia wants its special economic zones to support workforce development alongside economic growth, with Manpower Minister Yassierli proposing that national apprenticeship and vocational training programmes operate within them.
Speaking at a press conference during the national working meeting on special economic zones on 21 October 2026, Yassierli said the government hoped the zones would help expand recruitment and prepare skilled workers for Indonesia’s future.
He said the Manpower Ministry had offered zone managers concrete proposals on making greater use of the national apprenticeship programme in their zones, as well as introducing national vocational training programmes.
The intended system would bring together educational institutions, vocational training, national apprenticeships and training for start-ups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, he said. Yassierli expressed hope that this integrated approach would produce workers with specialised skills, certificates and industry experience.
