PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is developing the Gig Economy as a new driver of economic growth by preparing the younger generation as the main drivers.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the Gig Economy is the answer to changes in the world of work that are increasingly based on projects, technology, and flexibility.

According to him, Bandung City has a strong ecosystem to become a center for national digital economic growth.

"Bandung has a very complete ecosystem. There's the Bandung Institute of Technology in the heart of the city, hundreds of professors, and other leading universities. It's just a matter of connecting talent, research, and industry," said Farhan at the launch of Gig Economy Training for Generation Z and the soft launch of the AI Open Innovation Challenge in the East Hall of the Bandung Institute of Technology on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Farhan emphasized that the Bandung City Government is ready to collaborate with the central government, universities, and the industrial sector to ensure that science and technology-based economic transformation has a direct impact on society.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the central government is encouraging the emergence of science and technology-based industries to address the challenges of deindustrialization.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, government, and industry to ensure Indonesia becomes a producer of high-value-added innovations.

"National economic recovery must be supported by science and technology-based industries," he said.

The Chancellor of the Bandung Institute of Technology, Tatacipta Dirgantara, said that the Gig Economy represents a fundamental shift in the world of work that demands high levels of flexibility, creativity, and adaptability.

He continued, saying that universities play a role in producing superior talent, becoming centers for research and innovation, and strategic partners for the government and industry.

“Students and alumni are the main drivers of this ecosystem,” he said.

For your information, the Gig Economy Program was designed by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia to strengthen the national digital ecosystem and is targeted for implementation in 15 cities in Indonesia.

The Gig Economy training was conducted over two days, covering mastery of artificial intelligence and strengthening digital project-based business models.

The event was also attended by the Regional Secretary of West Java Province, Herman Suryatman, and Ali Murtopo Simbolon, Deputy for Trade and Industry Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office/bhf)