Strategies for Strengthening Human Resource Quality in Indonesian Small-Medium Metal Industry in the Industrial Era 4.0

Abstract

Industrial revolution 4.0 is an absolute condition that has to be faced and can not be avoided. A suitable strategy is needed to conduct proper transformation and innovation to face current advancement. One prepared strategy was to improve the quality of Human Resource (HR). This study intends to analyze the strategy of strengthening HR in small-medium metal industries in Indonesia. The research method used was descriptive qualitative. Data collection was performed by direct observation, in-depth interviews with informants, focused group discussions, and documentation analysis. The results of the study found that most of the Pasuruan metal industry players’ mindset was difficult to change, especially for entrepreneurs who already felt capable and successful in running their businesses. Most of them wanted to survive only with the skills they already have and be apathetic with technological advances. Market developments and changes, as well as increasingly fierce competition originating from manufactured goods, were also unable to change the metal industry players’ opinion. Some of the products produced did not have standardization. Likewise, the facilities and training support infrastructures for small-medium metal industries were still lacking. Even so, there were efforts from the government to improve the human resources of small-medium industry entrepreneurs as outlined in the action plan, in the form of technical guidance and metal processing training activities, mastery of machines with digital technology, mastery of programs and digital marketing training.