UNDIP, Semarang (May 10, 2025) – As part of its commitment to preparing the next generation for the workforce, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) hosted a public lecture featuring Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower, Prof. Yassierli, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.
Held on Friday, May 9, at the 5th-floor Conference Hall of the ICT Building on UNDIP’s Tembalang campus, the event drew hundreds of students from various faculties and schools.
The public lecture, titled “Strategies for Becoming a Competitive and Successful Student in the Future Workforce,” aimed to serve not only as a bridge between academia and industry but also as a demonstration of UNDIP’s commitment to producing graduates who are ready to compete in the era of industrial and technological transformation.
Opening the event on behalf of the Rector, UNDIP Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., expressed appreciation and optimism regarding the Minister’s presence at the academic forum. He emphasized the importance of synergy between higher education institutions and the government in developing globally competitive human capital.
“Universities today are not just tasked with producing academically smart graduates, but those with competencies shaped by character and skills relevant to industry and societal needs,” said Prof. Heru. “We greatly appreciate the Minister’s presence among the UNDIP academic community to share strategic insights.”
In his presentation, Minister Yassierli outlined several significant challenges facing Indonesia’s workforce, including a low Human Capital Index (0.540) compared to the ASEAN average, a shortage of digitally skilled workers (only 19%), and a persistent mismatch between higher education output and industry demands.
He urged students to develop cross-disciplinary competencies, combining technical skills, cognitive abilities, and soft skills such as leadership, interpersonal communication, and teamwork.
“Today’s careers no longer follow a linear path but are shaped like a lattice—networked and multidisciplinary. Students must cultivate a blend of technical skills, cognitive strength, and soft skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability to technology, including generative AI,” he explained.
Minister Yassierli also underscored the need for students to foster a growth mindset and entrepreneurial mindset to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities, whether as professionals or entrepreneurs.
“By introducing the concept of nonlinear career path and purpose-driven career, as well as the need for students to develop a growth mindset and entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. Careers today are nonlinear and purpose-driven. The workplace demands flexibility and the ability to explore across fields,” stated Prof. Yassierli.
We must stop viewing careers as ladders. They are now more like networks. Students must become lifelong learners, adaptable, and multidisciplinary. AI won’t replace humans—but humans who use AI will replace those who don’t,” he added, quoting an expert from Harvard Business School.
The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session moderated by Dr. Singgih Saptadi, S.T., M.T. Students asked critical and reflective questions, showing strong interest in issues such as career uncertainty, the digital era, industrial transformation, and the role of youth in building a sustainable employment ecosystem.
A token of appreciation was presented to Minister Yassierli at the end of the event, symbolizing UNDIP’s gratitude for his presence and willingness to share knowledge with the academic community.
Through this public lecture, UNDIP reaffirmed its goal to be a catalyst in producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also mentally prepared, resilient, and aligned with the needs of the future. (Public Communications/UNDIP/DHW)
