Dwina M Putri, Director of Partnership, Communication and Ecosystem Development, PMO Kartu Prakerja, Indonesia

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation. 

As the Director of Partnership, Communication and Ecosystem Development (KKPE) at Prakerja, I do a lot of work in creating regulations related to training standards and rules. 

As a government programme, Prakerja must be able to accommodate the needs of all Indonesians by considering the limitations that exist in remote areas so that the training provided is inclusive. 

Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, more than 90 per cent of the workforce in Indonesia have never had training and most of the programme's target recipients are early adult learners. 

The use of technology in training is important given that Indonesia is an archipelago. Technology is the solution to reach all regions. 

The challenge is how to easily adapt training programmes that are usually conducted face-to-face into online programmes. 

My next role is in ecosystem development and capacity building of existing partners in the ecosystem, to ensure all have the same standards and quality and develop together to better serve Prakerja participants. 

Another thing is to open new collaborations with external partners. Our partners come from the private sector, government and NGOs from within and outside the country. 

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?    

Prakerja as a technology-based work competency and entrepreneurship development programme has played a significant role in improving the lives of citizens. Since its launch in 2020, Prakerja has provided access to skilling, reskilling and upskilling to 18.9 million recipients. 

In addition, there are currently more than 300 institutions providing more than 2,000 trainings that have successfully passed the curation and joined the Prakerja ecosystem. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?     

The year 2024 was a year full of learning for me. I realised that we are always faced with choices. Therefore, we need to have a solid guide. 

Our personal values act as a moral compass that guides our every step. By upholding them, we can make wise decisions, even in the midst of difficult situations. 

It is important for us to balance idealism and reality. Idealism gives us the passion to achieve our goals, while reality requires us to make concrete plans that can be implemented. 

Integrity is the key to success. By acting in accordance with the values we believe in, we will be able to build trust with others and create a good reputation. 

Next, courage is the key to opening new opportunities. Dare to take risks, dare to be different, and dare to take responsibility for the choices we make, are the attitudes needed to achieve success. 

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025?     

In 2025, I would like to explore integrated dashboard technology for training institutions that enables real-time performance monitoring and alignment with national priorities such as green skills and employability. 

With this dashboard, training institutions can adjust methods, strengthen materials and encourage increased participant participation according to labour market needs. 

From a policy perspective, I would like to explore the development of multi-product scholarships so that learners and beneficiaries of the Prakerja programme can tailor training packages to suit their career goals. 

This model provides the flexibility to access multiple courses at once, increases the relevance and effectiveness of training programmes, and strengthens synergies between the government, training institutions and the industry sector. 

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.    

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technological revolution that is changing the way we live and work. The potential for AI to drive transformation in the public sector is huge. I have already seen how AI automates routine tasks, and reduces human error, thereby improving efficiency in public services.

AI can also improve transparency and accountability in government and drive innovation in the public sector, spawning new ideas and creative solutions to social problems. 

In the education sector, AI has the potential to maximise adaptive learning systems and assess individual learning progress. 

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6. What are your priorities for 2025?     

My top priorities for 2025 are to ensure sustainability and increase the impact of existing programmes, and to drive innovation to address new challenges.

I want to continue to hone my resilience and sensitivity to better deal with challenges.  

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Start by understanding the problems faced by the community. Involve the community and collaborate with other sectors so that the solutions offered are truly relevant and impactful. 

Next, use technology as a tool to accelerate change. As a public sector innovator, you have a responsibility to create meaningful change. Keep learning, adapt, and don't be afraid to fail and even to push boundaries.

With passion and commitment, you can change the public sector and create a better future. Remember that innovation is not just about technology, but also about human values, justice and sustainability. 

8. Who inspires you today? 

Young Indonesians who dare to take a stand to be part of the change. The more young people involved in change, the brighter the future of the nation.