REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Worker unions must be involved establishing regional workforce qualification reference system as a preparatory measure to a more integrated ASEAN in 2015, stated ASEAN Services Employees Trade Union Council Project Coordinator Marina on Monday.

"We call on the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to invite all stakeholders, including the worker unions, in the formation of the regional workforce qualification system. The interests of workers must be taken into consideration," Marina stated in a meeting with the representatives from worker unions in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Marina emphasized the need for close communication between the national government and worker unions in ASEAN countries in order to develop the best qualification reference system, which can benefit all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Chief of Profession Certification Unit from Indonesia's Manpower and Transmigration Ministry Suhadi, who also attended the Monday meeting, added that the Indonesian government, through related ministries, is in the process of establishing a national workforce qualification system, which will be on the lines of the one made at the ASEAN level.

"The qualification system will function as a guideline for the government in forming the education system, training system, and recruitment system in the country," Suhadi remarked.

He noted that a synchronized education and training system with national and ASEAN workforce qualification system, will enable Indonesian workers to compete at both the national and regional level.

ASEAN has set a target to have an integrated community by 2015. When the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is fully implemented in 2015; goods, services, and manpower are expected to move freely within the region.

Chairman of the ASEAN Competitiveness Institute Soy Pardede stated that Indonesia must prepare itself to not only improve the quality of its goods and services, but also of its human skills, so that it will not serve as a mere market for other countries in the region. It should also become a big exporter of skilled workforce. After all, Indonesia has a population of about 240 million.

"To face the AEC's formation in 2015, Indonesia needs to increase its competitive power," Soy added.

According to him, Indonesia has a large population and competitive power, with abundant human resources, to become a major player in the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Besides, he added that unlike other ASEAN countries, Indonesia also has abundant natural resources and a strategic geographic position.

"Therefore, all parties, including business makers, the government, the House of Representatives, and the Business Competition Supervisory Commission should cooperate to support Indonesia in becoming a key player for AEC-2015," he explained.

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