Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) has launched the 'Connected Generation (GenSi)' digital literacy program in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Informatics and Cisco. Announced at the Annual Global Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Workshop in Bali, the program aims to provide digital skills to Indonesian youth and women in rural areas to close the digital divide.

The initiative introduces a digital literacy training model to ITU members within the DTC framework, setting a global precedent for extending digital skills to underserved communities. The first GenSi program ran in North Minahasa from March 19-21, with 550 participants.

The 2024 Annual Global DTC Workshop, organized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Cisco, was hosted by Indonesia's ICT Training Centre (BPPTIK) in collaboration with Indosat, concluding on 16 May.

Why does it matter?

This initiative supports the Indonesian government's goal of producing 9 million digital talents by 2030, averaging 600,000 digital workers annually. To achieve this, the country relies on other programs like Skill Our Future, led by UNDP and Microsoft, which aim to democratize access to digital skills, AI, and job opportunities for young people, including those from underserved communities. Notably, 2023 BPS data shows that 25.80% of Indonesian youth are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), with female youth experiencing twice the unemployment rate of males.