The latest Asian Development Bank (ADB) report says technological advances have transformed the labor market that includes two billion workers in Asia. It helps create 30 million jobs annually in various industries and services over the last 25 years.
In addition, it encourages increased productivity and wages, and reduces poverty. Country Economist ADB, Emma Allen said, technological progress will indeed eliminate some jobs. However, on the other hand will create new jobs.
The 2018 Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report shows that although there are a number of jobs that will be lost due to automation, balancing efforts will be able to generate more than compensation for the loss of work.
"The technology will increase productivity, a lot of jobs will be open because of technology because this new technology often creates more specific jobs so the technology will create new jobs," he said at ADB Indonesia Office, The Plaza, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/4/2018).
ADB's research shows that in the midst of advances in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence, there are still many reasons to be optimistic about job prospects in the region.
New technology generally only automates some tasks in a job, not the whole job. In addition, job automation can only be performed if technically and economically feasible.
One thing that matters is the increase in demand as a result of the productivity benefits brought by new technology, will offset the loss of work due to automation, and contribute to the creation of new professions.
Therefore, ADB's Chief Representative for Indonesia, Winfried Wicklein said the Government is expected to ensure that everyone benefits and the new technology.
Policy makers need to take educational reforms that encourage lifelong learning, maintain labor market flexibility, strengthen social protection systems, and reduce income inequality.
"Regionally will lose jobs (due to technological advances), but increasing demand in technology will increase job opportunities," he said.
"Policy makers (the Government) must ensure that technological improvements can open employment. Policymakers should improve education, "he added.