The School of Business and Management at Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), in collaboration with the Indonesian Human Resource Management Association (PMSM) and the Indonesian Association of Recruitment and Executive Search Companies (APRESI), hosted the 6th HCM Talks Series. The event, titled “Navigating Talent, Technology, and the Future of Work through Human Capital,” took place at the SBM ITB Jakarta campus on Monday (June 9).
This forum brought together academics, practitioners, and professional associations to discuss the challenges of human resource management amidst changes in the world of work, technological developments, and the dynamics of the talent market.
“Never eliminate the human factor. Use technology as a support and continue to be lifelong learners who can navigate change with clear values and goals,” said Donald Crestofel Lantu, Vice Dean for Human Resources at SBM ITB, in his remarks.
Donald emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, industry, and professional associations in building Indonesia’s talent ecosystem. Universities play a role in producing talent through education; APRESI bridges labor-market needs; and PMSM serves as a platform for practitioners in human resource development.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Henndy Ginting, Chair of the SBM ITB Senate and Chair of the People and Knowledge Management Interest Group at SBM ITB, stated that the world of work faces three main dynamics: digital acceleration and artificial intelligence, changing workforce expectations, and the transformation of the Human Capital function from an administrative role to a strategic partner for organizations.
The discussion continued in three panel sessions. In the first session, “Indonesia Talent Market 2026: From Hiring to Strategic Talent Management in a Competitive Market,” Yudo Anggoro, Director of the Center for Policy and Public Management at SBM ITB, emphasized that talent management cannot be separated from the national economic conditions. The economic slowdown, the weakening middle class, and challenges in the manufacturing sector have a direct impact on the labor market.
Bagus Hendrayono, the Founder and Managing Director of Talent Hunts Indonesia, as well as the General Treasurer and Head of Learning Development at APRESI, emphasized that the skills gap is a significant challenge. He pointed out that although Indonesia has a large workforce, many companies still face difficulties in finding talent with the necessary competencies for their businesses.
“Our biggest problem isn’t the number of talents. The challenge is whether the skills of the candidates truly align with the company’s needs,” Bagus explained.
In the second session, “Future of Work: Redesigning Work, Workforce, and Workplace,” Assistant Professor of SBM ITB, Muhammad Yorga Permana, explained that AI presents both opportunities and challenges. This technology can increase productivity, but it also raises questions about the future of work, leadership models, and workforce competency requirements.
Agustina Samara, Chief of Human Resources and Corporate Services at PT Asuransi Jiwa Sequis Life, as well as the Treasury of PMSM Indonesia, emphasized that the future of work will be shaped not only by technological advancements but also by people’s ability to stay relevant and adapt to changing circumstances.
“The future of work is no longer just about technology, but about how we as humans maintain the relevance and growth mindset to face change,” Agustina stated.
The third session, “Human Capital Technology: Leveraging HR Tech for Organizational Transformation,” discussed how technology can improve HR management without losing the human element. Associate Professor of SBM ITB, Achmad Ghazali, emphasized that technology should not be used solely for administrative efficiency but should also support data-driven decision-making. Assistant Professor of SBM ITB, Fajar Hendarman, highlighted the importance of a digital mindset and continuous learning capabilities.
Suryo Sasono, Executive Vice President of Human Capital Strategy & Talent Management at PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk and Head of the Learning & Development Department at PMSM Indonesia, emphasized that technology must be used to solve real problems, not simply follow digitalization trends.
“It’s important to first understand the problems we aim to solve before adopting new technology,” he said.
The 6th HCM Talks Series emphasized that Human Capital challenges are not only about technology but also about talent readiness, leadership, and the organization’s ability to adapt. Collaboration between education, industry, and professional associations is key to developing a more competitive Indonesian talent pool ready for the future of work.
