8 Most In-Demand Skills in Indonesia for 2025

The Indonesian government is actively advancing its industrial sector to drive economic growth. Through initiatives like Industry 4.0 and Vision 2045, it aims to modernize industries and strengthen innovation. The government is also expanding production sectors by integrating cutting-edge digital technology, promoting renewable energy, and accelerating infrastructure development. These initiatives have been taken to create a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient economy for the future. 

However, The research organization MDPI finds that multiple business sectors today lack skilled employees while these industries require new workers to drive future market expansion. This article examines the essential skills that Indonesian businesses need today while discussing their importance.

Work Culture in Indonesia

Continuous learning and adaptability are key in Indonesian workplaces to improve networking and collaboration. So, let’s talk about some norms of Indonesia’s work culture:

• Gotong Royong: An Indonesian concept, Gotong Royong, means mutual cooperation. This spirit of working together is deeply rooted in the workplace culture. This encourages collaboration and shared responsibility.

• Collectivist Mindset: Teamwork is highly valued in Indonesia. Employees prioritize group success over individual achievements. Helping colleagues is expected, and personal relationships play a big role in professional interactions.

• Strong Hierarchy: Indonesian workplaces have a clear hierarchy. Respect for seniority is key and decisions are often made by top management. Employees usually wait for instructions rather than challenge authority.

What Skills are In Demand in Indonesia

The government of Indonesia is focusing on tech-based skills to drive digitalization and industrial growth. These skills are related to key sectors like manufacturing, programming and finance. Let’s talk about them in detail:

1. Medical skills

The doctor shortage in Indonesia occurs because medical professionals are aging while healthcare services grow in demand. KKI reports that doctors in Indonesia maintain a ratio of 0.79 doctors per 1,000 citizens yet this number falls significantly short of requirements. Specialists believe that Indonesia requires 67,000 additional doctors to meet its healthcare needs during the next five years.

2. Cybersecurity Skills

The number of cyber threats within Indonesia has been increasing since 2024. This is a problem for both individuals and businesses. Digital security has become indispensable because of identity threats. As per experts, the solution to managing these difficulties depends on cybersecurity upskilling. Skilled professionals are needed to protect sensitive data and stay ahead of evolving cyber risks.

By 2025, the government and private sector of Indonesia need approximately 100,000 cybersecurity experts skilled to handle their systems according to industry forecasts.

3. Electronic Skills

The forecast indicates that consumer electronics sales in Indonesia will exceed 267.2 million units during 2028. This growth serves to advance the country's goal of improving in terms of international market competitiveness. Demand for smartphones and TVs, along with other electronic devices, keeps increasing rapidly, so the country requires a stronger local manufacturing sector.

According to the ILO report on Skills Development and Employment in Indonesia's Electronics Sector there exists a skills shortage requiring mastery before this growth can be properly supported.

4. ICT Skills

As per ASEAN Briefing, the Indonesian digital economy is growing strongly towards achieving $100 billion GMV values in 2025 while growing 15% from 2023. Indonesia has a high market demand for tech experts due to its e-commerce industry being at a high growth rate. Businesses are in need of software developers, particularly those who have expertise in Python and Java, to develop and sustain digital platforms. Besides, data analysts must be able to interpret trends among consumers and fine-tune business strategies.

5. Renewable Energy Skills

The government of Indonesia intends to increase renewable energy usage to 23% in 2025 supported by 6.5 GW of solar capacity installations. The main difficulty in this sector stems from its shortage of qualified workers.

The successful execution of these targets requires companies to acquire more specialized personnel, including engineers, project managers along with technicians and professionals who understand renewable energy system design and operation. The skills gap needs to be bridged because it serves as a vital element for establishing clean energy systems that secure sustainable development.

6. Teaching Skills

The data presented by Ari from Tanoto Foundation in government reports shows that Indonesia is currently struggling with a teacher shortage that reached 1.3 million teachers in 2024 and this number is expected to increase in 2025 and beyond.

The country must boost its employment of qualified teachers because of the shortage. Modern teaching methods, digital learning tools, and subject-specific knowledge demand continue to rise for instructors who will improve the overall learning experience at educational institutions.

7. Supply Chain Skills

Indonesia is prioritizing logistics and supply chain efficiency as part of its vision to become one of the world’s top seven economies by 2045. Several initiatives are underway to streamline operations and boost competitiveness. But there’s a skills gap in this sector. The country is looking for more logistics professionals, supply chain managers, and warehouse specialists to support the growth. To address this, the country is also investing in infrastructure to improve transportation networks and modernize logistics systems.

8. Cloud Computing Skills 

Around 90% of companies in Indonesia are shifting toward cloud computing solutions, driving the need for skilled professionals in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data management.

Nezar Patria, who serves as Vice Minister of Communications and Informatics at Indonesia, states that a major skills deficit exists within this sector. 

Through a training initiative, the government plans to enhance 8,500 student skills during the next year before reaching out to students throughout metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions.

How to Improve your Skills for the Indonesia Job Market

With the right skills, guidance, and industry expertise, you can get high-in-demand jobs in Indonesia. To help job seekers and professionals upskill, Indonesia has several Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs.

1. Electronic Engineering Polytechnic Institute of Surabaya (EEPIS)

Established in 1988 with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), EEPIS focuses on applied science and technology education. It offers diploma and applied bachelor’s programs in fields like electronics, telecommunications and information technology. EEPIS is known for its strong practical skills and industry partnerships; graduates are prepared to meet current technological demands.

2. State Polytechnic of Malang (Polinema)

Founded in 1982, Polinema provides vocational education in engineering, business administration, and information technology. It offers Diploma III, Diploma IV, and Applied Master’s programs designed to produce graduates with hands-on expertise tailored to industry needs. Polinema has strong industry partnerships to ensure its curriculum is relevant and up-to-date.

3. Madura State Polytechnic (Politeknik Negeri Madura)

Inaugurated in 2012, MSP institution focuses on applied technology education, particularly in maritime transport and marine technology. It offers diploma programs in industrial electrical technology, heavy industry technology, and shipbuilding technology. The polytechnic aims to develop skilled professionals to support regional and national industrial development.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s industrial growth, digital transformation, and government initiatives have created a strong demand for a highly skilled workforce. The skills above will be key for professionals to succeed in Indonesia’s job market in 2025 and beyond. Edstellar is a platform to explore training programs for your team. Use Edstellar’s Skill Matrix to assess your current skills and see where to improve. With real-time charts, bar graphs, and infographics, you’ll know the way to upskill. Start now and grow your career in Indonesia.