TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's construction sector is a key factor in boosting economic growth to face the ASEAN Economic Community. Unfortunately, the country does not have enough construction workers who are skilled.
"This limited market potential is not supported by a sufficient number of skilled construction workers," Yusid Toyib, director general of construction at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, said in a written statement, Tuesday, November 3.
According to Yusid, the ministry recorded that Indonesia has 7.2 million construction workers, with just 109,000 certified experts and 387,000 certified workers. Moreover, only 478 people have licenses to work overseas in the ASEAN region.
Yusid said that this issue must be addressed immediately; otherwise Indonesia will not be able to benefit from the integrated AEC.
"We could lose from Singapore and Malaysia," he said.
ARIEF HIDAYAT
