Plan Indonesia and DBS Foundation Partner with Government and the Private Sector to Enhance Job Readiness of 100,000 Young People in Three Cities

Jakarta, 29 January 2026 – Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) officially launched five learning modules—Financial Planning, Job Readiness & Soft Skills, UI/UX, Social Media Marketing, and Graphic Design—under the Youth be Ready, Inclusive, Skilled, Empowered (You RISE) program, a collaboration with DBS Foundation initiated in 2025.

These five modules are designed to strengthen the employability of 100,000 young people over the two-year implementation of the You RISE program across Medan, Jakarta, and Surabaya, targeting sectors with strong growth potential. The module launch event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Manpower, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Office of Manpower, Transmigration, and Energy, training institutions, and private sector partners in the Greater Jakarta area.

The event brought together representatives from national and local government, training providers, and industry partners to reinforce cross-sector collaboration in creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable employment pathways for young people, particularly young women and marginalized groups.

The You RISE program is a collaboration between Plan Indonesia and DBS Foundation, aiming to reach 100,000 marginalized young people by strengthening financial literacy, job readiness, vocational skills, and providing job placement support in the information technology, retail, and hospitality sectors.

Mona Monika, Head of Group Marketing and Communications, Bank DBS Indonesia, emphasized that investment in youth job readiness and financial literacy is a critical foundation for inclusive growth and aligns closely with DBS Foundation’s commitment to social impact.

“Through You RISE, we aim to ensure that young people—especially young women and vulnerable groups—not only acquire job-related skills, but also the confidence and financial literacy needed to build a sustainable future. This reflects the commitment of Bank DBS Indonesia and DBS Foundation to advancing inclusion and financial literacy as part of our aspiration to create positive impact for society. Collaboration with Plan Indonesia and key stakeholders is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting impact,” said Mona.

Beyond skills gaps, workplace safety and inclusion remain serious challenges. The 2023 Annual Report of the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) shows that one in three women in Indonesia has experienced violence, including in the workplace. In response, You RISE integrates the principles of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH), including engagement with private sector partners, as a foundation for preparing young people to enter the workforce.

Dini Widiastuti, Executive Director of Plan Indonesia, emphasized that the launch of You RISE and its financial literacy modules is part of a long-term effort to equip young people to navigate an increasingly complex labor market, particularly those from vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities.

“Through this launch, Plan Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that young people—especially young women and marginalized groups—are holistically prepared to enter the world of work. This preparation goes beyond technical skills to include financial literacy, safety, and equality. Collaboration with DBS Foundation and diverse stakeholders is key to opening more equitable access and building a more independent and sustainable future for young people,” Dini explained.

Government support was also highlighted as a critical element of the initiative’s success. The Directorate General of Manpower Placement Development and Employment Expansion, Ministry of Manpower, noted that partnerships with the private sector and civil society organizations are essential to meeting the evolving demands of the labor market.

“Collaboration between government, industry, and training institutions is crucial to ensuring job placements that align with industry needs while expanding opportunities for young people,” a representative from the Directorate General stated.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Vocational Training and Productivity Development, Ministry of Manpower, underscored the importance of inclusive and adaptive vocational training.

“Strengthening vocational skills must go hand in hand with the principles of inclusion and productivity. Initiatives such as You RISE demonstrate how vocational training can be designed to be more responsive to the needs of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups,” the representative added.

The event also featured discussions on industry needs and awareness-building sessions on GESI and PSEAH, contributing to efforts to foster a work ecosystem that is not only productive, but also fair and safe for young people.

Through You RISE, Plan Indonesia and DBS Foundation, together with their partners, aim to strengthen the bridge between young people and the labor market, while encouraging active engagement from both public and private sectors in driving inclusive social and economic change in Indonesia.

Notes to Editors

About You RISE

You RISE is a collaborative program between DBS Foundation and Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) aimed at strengthening economic resilience and employment opportunities for 100,000 marginalized young people (aged 18–29), including young women and young people with disabilities. The program operates in Greater Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya.

Through job readiness training and mentorship, the program supports young people to become more employable, financially literate, and confident in shaping their future.

About Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia)

Plan International has been working in Indonesia since 1969 and officially became Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (Plan Indonesia) in 2017. We work to advance children’s rights and achieve equality for girls. We also work with young people to ensure their meaningful participation in decisions that affect their lives.

As part of Plan International Inc., Plan Indonesia implements a child sponsorship program and currently supports 32,000 girls and boys in East Nusa Tenggara, focusing on five basic rights: birth registration, basic immunization, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and education. Plan Indonesia operates in 11 provinces, delivering programs that aim to build a generation that is Healthy, Educated, Empowered, Safe, and Resilient.

These programs seek to strengthen leadership capacity, agency, and social movements, with the goal of enabling 3 million girls to achieve equal power, equal freedom, and equal representation.
More information: planindonesia.org

Media Contact
Annisa Hanifa, Programme Communication Specialist
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +62 818 0780 5393

About DBS Foundation

DBS Foundation is committed to improving lives and livelihoods for those in need.

Since 2014, DBS Foundation has supported innovative, impact-driven businesses that address critical social challenges while achieving financial sustainability. Through philanthropic funding, capacity building, mentorship, and other forms of support, DBS Foundation catalyzes the growth and impact of purpose-driven enterprises.

DBS Foundation seeks to spark positive change by supporting underserved communities, providing access to basic needs, and promoting inclusion by equipping individuals with financial and digital literacy skills. The Foundation also collaborates with like-minded partners to drive sustainable change, with a vision of inspiring collective action to build a better world—making today better and tomorrow brighter.

For more information, visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with operations in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS operates across three key Asian growth axes: Greater China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. DBS holds credit ratings of “AA-” and “Aa1,” among the highest globally.

Recognized for global leadership, DBS has been named World’s Best Bank by Global Finance and Euromoney, and Global Bank of the Year by The Banker. DBS is also at the forefront of digital banking innovation, earning titles such as World’s Best Digital Bank and Most Innovative in Digital Banking. DBS has been named Safest Bank in Asia by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years (2009–2025).

Founded in 1989, PT Bank DBS Indonesia is one of the longest-established banks in Asia, operating across 15 major cities with more than 3,000 employees. Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and is a member of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).

Through DBS Foundation, the bank extends its impact beyond banking by supporting vulnerable communities, advancing financial inclusion, and empowering purpose-driven enterprises.

For more information, visit: www.dbs.com

Rifka Suryandari
External Communications
Group Marketing & Communications
PT Bank DBS Indonesia
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: (62) 813 81066507