UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta hosted the Desain Besar Manajemen Talenta Nasional (MTN) 2024 as part of Indonesia’s effort to improve human resources (HR) for global competitiveness. The event, titled Talent Fest 2024, was held at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium, UNS, on Tuesday (10/9/2024).

UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr. M.Si., expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host Talent Fest 2024. He emphasized that enhancing the quality of national talent is key to improving Indonesia’s competitiveness with developed countries. He cited Indonesia’s rankings in the 2023 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (75th out of 113) and the 2023 Global Innovation Index (61st out of 132) as evidence of the need for national talent development.

“To develop this talent, a comprehensive national talent management system is essential. We need a grand design to manage and optimize national talent,” Prof. Hartono said.

Representing the academic community of UNS, he expressed readiness to contribute to the development and optimization of national talent. He added that universities also have a responsibility to play a role in improving the competitiveness of national talent as part of Indonesia Emas 2045.

“We welcome this event and are ready to contribute and collaborate so that the next generation, our human resources, and national talents can improve their competencies and compete locally and internationally,” he added.

Managing and developing talent is seen as a way to increase the number of highly qualified individuals in Indonesia. The Deputy for Human Development, Society, and Culture at Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Amich Alhumami, emphasized the importance of a human resource development blueprint for Indonesia. The National Talent Management Design outlined in Talent Fest 2024 includes various key strategies.

“It is crucial for Indonesia to have a systematic, structured, and long-term human resource development blueprint. The National Talent Management (MTN) Design includes strategies for developing human resources, from the early stages of talent identification to producing top talent. This effort involves investing in talent development in arts and culture, research and innovation, and sports,” Amich Alhumami said.

In his keynote speech, Amich highlighted the importance of investing in talent development in Indonesia. MTN is expected to prepare competitive talents that can be recognized internationally, ensuring a holistic, integrated, and sustainable talent development system. The Indonesian government will coordinate policies and programs with ministries, agencies, and local governments. MTN’s grand design includes five breakthrough programs: Talent Pool, collaboration, facility hub, funding synergy, and talent appreciation.

“We hope that through this program, outstanding talents will emerge and actively contribute to various sectors of development in Indonesia,” he added.

The Talent Fest was attended by notable figures such as the Deputy for Human Resources, Science, and Technology at BRIN, Edy Giri Rachman Putra, Ph.D.; Innovator and Business Practitioner, Prof. Agus Purwanto and Muhammad Nur Ikhsanudin; Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission X, Nafa Urbach; Theater Director, Joned Suryatmoko; ASEAN Para Games Athlete, Nanda Mei; and International Actor/Martial Artist, Cecep Arif Rahman. Rectors from various institutions, including the Rector of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Surakarta, were present. Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including ministries, local governments, development partners, the private sectors, academics, arts and culture enthusiasts, and sports practitioners.

MTN will be implemented through five stages from 2024 to 2045: the Foundation Phase starting in 2024; the Strengthening Phase in 2025–2029; the Consolidation Phase in 2030-2034; the Continuation Phase in 2035-2039; and the final stage, National High-Achieving Talent, in 2039-2045, which aims to produce more globally competitive talents. Amich also emphasized that the MTN program should be widely accessible to the public.

Humas UNS

Reporter: R. P. Adji

Editor: Dwi Hastuti