Construction Worker Certification: Public Works Ministry Targets 40,000 Workers in 2027
The Public Works Ministry plans to train and certify 40,000 construction workers in 2027 as skilled tradesmen get harder to find — a boost for construction worker certification.
The quality of a building depends heavily on the hands of the tukang, the craftsmen who build it. That is why raising the competence and certification of construction workers remains a priority, from the national ministry down to local governments. At the same time, several regions report that skilled building craftsmen are getting harder to find.
A target of 40,000 participants in 2027
The ANTARA news agency reports that the Ministry of Public Works aims to put 40,000 people through construction workforce training and certification in the 2027 budget year, with a budget of Rp48.81 billion. Acting Director General of Construction Development Indro Pantja Pramodo explained that the programme consists of strategic and labour-intensive training worth Rp20.81 billion for 16,500 people, plus vocational education and training for 23,500 people. The targets are spread across seven regional Construction Services Centres from Aceh to Papua.
Indro said the 2027 budget is lower than the 2026 state budget allocation of Rp60 billion, but the number of participants is rising. In 2026, 34,000 people joined the programme; for 2027 the target is 40,000.
The certification gap is still wide
The need is large. A release from the Directorate General of Construction Development in August 2025 noted that BPS data for 2024 recorded more than 9.4 million people in the construction workforce, while LPJK data as of August 2025 showed only around 5.8% held a construction Work Competency Certificate (SKK).
Regional programmes and craftsman exams
Local governments are also opening doors. The public works office of East Belitung Regency, for example, is accepting registrations for free construction competency certification from 12 to 31 October 2026, with exams on 9–11 November 2026. Nine job titles are covered, including Construction Safety Officer, Building Draughtsman and Building Site Supervisor.
At the craftsman level, professional certification bodies are active too. The October 2026 schedule of LSP SDM Konstruksi Indonesia, for instance, lists several exams for the Bricklaying and Plastering Craftsman scheme in Bekasi, Blora and Malang.
Why skilled tukang are harder to find
A study by the manpower office of Buleleng Regency in Bali, published in June 2026, describes the situation on the ground. Project owners in Buleleng are finding it harder to hire building labourers and sometimes have to bring in workers from outside Bali. The reasons include young people's declining interest in physical work seen as risky, unstable daily or piece-rate income, competition from sectors such as tourism, and workers moving to other regions. As a result many projects are delayed, and construction costs may rise as craftsmen's wages are pushed up.
The study recommends stronger training through vocational training centres, more competitive pay, better work protection for building craftsmen and renewal of the workforce through training for local youth.
What it means for homeowners and contractors
For homeowners looking for building tukang services, a competency certificate can be one way to judge skills. Even good materials will not deliver their best without correct installation, for example in plastering, gypsum ceilings or tiling. Combining quality materials, trained craftsmen and well-timed material deliveries reduces rework.
Where homeX fits in
At homeX, a one-stop building materials and furniture service platform in Indonesia, the roles are clear: homeX supplies the materials through its showroom, warehousing and delivery services in Tangerang, while partner tukang help with delivery and installation on site. homeX is also committed to supporting the skills of its partner craftsmen, because a good result comes from the right materials and correct installation.
FAQ
What is the Public Works Ministry's 2027 construction training target?
40,000 people with a budget of Rp48.81 billion, up from 34,000 participants in 2026, according to ANTARA.
Are there free certification exams for craftsmen?
Some local governments offer them, such as East Belitung, with registration on 12–31 October 2026 and exams on 9–11 November 2026.
Why are building craftsmen hard to find?
Young people are less interested, income is unstable, and many workers move to other sectors or regions.
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Sources: ANTARA News, 9 Sep 2026; DPUPRP2RKP Belitung Timur, 11 Okt 2026; LSP SDM Konstruksi Indonesia, jadwal Okt 2026; Disnakertrans ESDM Buleleng, 26 Jun 2026; Ditjen Bina Konstruksi Kementerian PU, 19 Agu 2025