On November 17, 2025, the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI) was invited to attend the "Embracing the Digital Era with Micro-credential" policy dialogue in Jakarta, Indonesia. Jointly organised by the Indonesia Cyber Education Institute (ICE-I) (also the IIOE Indonesia National centre) and Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), the event aimed to strengthen the policy recognition and coordination of micro-credential systems at the regional level, including the IIOE Micro-Certification Project for Higher Education Workforce Digital Competency Building (IIOE Micro-Certification Project).

The conference brought together over 300 representatives from higher education institutions, government bodies, and enterprises. Distinguished participants included Heri Kuswanto, Director of Talent Development for Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek); Tatang Muttaqin, Director General of Vocational Education; Cahya Kusuma Ratih, Director of SEAMEOLEC; Jonathan L. Parapak, Rector of UPH; Ali Muktiyanto, Rector of Universitas Terbuka (UT); and Rahayu Dwi Riyanti, ICE-I Director.

Group photo of participants

Ali Muktiyanto, Rector of UT, highlighted Indonesia's ongoing efforts in recent years to advance the development of its micro-credential ecosystem, noting continuous improvements in regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, and recognition mechanisms. He emphasised that this policy dialogue serves as a crucial platform for building consensus among stakeholders. Prof. Ali further stated that UT is collaborating with the IIOE Indonesia National Centre's localised network institutions and UNESCO-ICHEI to comprehensively enhance the scale and quality of learning through micro-credentials.

Ali Muktiyanto, Rector of UT

Paulina Pannen, Senior Advisor of ICE-I, emphasised that in response to the transformations brought about by the digital era, particularly artificial intelligence, it is essential to build the establishment of flexible, sustainable, and inclusive learning pathways to advance lifelong learning. As the IIOE Indonesia National Centre, ICE-I is leading the design of online learning programmes aligned with national objectives, promoting the widespread recognition of IIOE Micro-Certification both within Indonesia and internationally.

Paulina Pannen, Senior Advisor of ICE-I

For the keynote speech, Heri Kuswanto, Director of Talent Development for Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek), provided an in-depth interpretation of Permendikti Ristek No. 39/2025. It was noted that the regulation permits the integration of learning content from formal courses into micro-credentials. Specific modalities include short-term learning programmes that award micro-credentials, as well as open online learning modules sourced from other institutions. The regulation sets the direction for developing a flexible, measurable, competency-based higher education system aligned with industry needs, highlighting the critical importance of implementing micro-credentials. He addressed that micro-credentials serve as a "catalyst" for accelerating capacity building in research and innovation within higher education, noting that strong collaboration among universities, industries, research institutions and international organisations will effectively enhance national talent capabilities, competitiveness, and knowledge-driven innovation.

Heri Kuswanto, Director of Talent Development for Research and Development, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia (Kemendikbudristek)

A panel discussion themed "Regulation, Policy, Recognition, and Practices of Micro-credentials in the Region" was held during the policy dialogue, featuring remarks and exchanges by Mr. CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Parternship and Programme Office of UNESCO-ICHEI. He introduced the IIOE Micro-Certification Project and its successful implementation in multiple countries including Egypt and Mongolia, showing the initiative's significant impact in enhancing educators' digital capacities, AI literacy, and teaching innovation. UNESCO-ICHEI anticipated IIOE and Indonesian higher education institutions would jointly expand collaboration on micro-credential programmes focused on teacher capacity building and work toward integrating these credentials into Indonesia’s national certification system, thereby contributing to a more adaptive, inclusive, and competitive micro-credential ecosystem.

CAO Zian, Chief of the Global Parternship and Programme Office of UNESCO-ICHEI

ICE-I actively integrates high-quality global learning resources to effectively enhance degree flexibility and teaching quality. Its recently launched micro-credential programme for higher education faculty has reached over 400 participants, contributing to Indonesia's digital economy development while providing concrete support for the implementation of national micro-credential policies. Looking ahead, UNESCO-ICHEI remains fully committed to supporting ICE-I’s work. Through joint project planning and implementation, both organisations will collaborate to advance industry-oriented micro-certifications in Indonesia’s higher education sector, including in areas like cross-border e-commerce. Together, they aim to empower educators and students, accelerate the country’s digital transformation, and drive innovation through credentialing.