Indonesia, while rapidly growing in its digital footprint, recorded a staggering 1.6 billion traffic anomalies and 11.8 million cyberattacks in 2021. These figures underscore the pressing need for cybersecurity professionals in the nation. However, the tech industry, especially areas like AI, data and cybersecurity, sees an underrepresentation of women. A concerning 50% of women opt out of STEM careers due to societal stereotypes, with only 22% making up the tech workforce and a mere 30% enrolling in IT majors in higher education institutions.

The challenge doesn’t stop at representation alone. Indonesia’s IT graduates face one of the highest unemployment rates among other majors. This is further exacerbated by the fact that a significant 86% of the Indonesian workforce has never attended any certified training. Moreover, annually, the country produces 400,000 IT major vocational high school graduates, signaling a vast pool of potential talent awaiting the right opportunities and guidance.

This program, a joint venture between Microsoft Indonesia and Kartu Prakerja, addresses these challenges head-on. It aims not only to impart tech skills but also to shatter stereotypes, encourage women in tech, and provide a clear pathway for tech enthusiasts to integrate into the future-ready job market.

*Based on data from katadata.co.id in collaboration with investinginwomen.asia