Why nearly 10 million Indonesian Gen Zs are unemployed | Asia News Week

Summary

In Indonesia, nearly 10 million Gen Z individuals are unemployed, making up over 20% of the generation. Despite high levels of education and internship experience, many struggle to find work, with some even facing lengthy interview processes that ultimately result in no job offers. Experts point to a disconnect between the professions young people are studying for and the actual workforce needs, particularly in sectors like agriculture and mining. The Indonesian government has acknowledged the issue, highlighting the country's overemphasis on higher education and the underappreciation of vocational training.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nearly 10 million Gen Z Indonesians are unemployed, representing over 20% of the generation.
• 😀 The unemployment issue has become a hot topic on social media, with many young people sharing their experiences.
• 😀 Despite being hardworking and having internship experience, many young graduates are struggling to find jobs.
• 😀 Some young people experience long hiring processes only to be told the job positions are no longer available.
• 😀 The Indonesian government, through the Minister of Manpower, acknowledges the mismatch between education and job market demands.
• 😀 The disconnect between the degrees Gen Z are pursuing and the actual needs of the workforce is contributing to high unemployment.
• 😀 There is an overemphasis on higher education in Indonesian society, while vocational training is often overlooked.
• 😀 Indonesia's economy is in need of skilled workers in key sectors like agriculture, mining, and forestry, which require vocational qualifications.
• 😀 Vocational graduates are crucial for meeting Indonesia's workforce needs, but there is a societal preference for academic degrees.
• 😀 The expert interviewed stresses the importance of aligning education with industry demands to better address the unemployment issue.
• 😀 Young Indonesians are encouraged to think creatively and find alternative ways to secure employment in a challenging job market.

Q & A

What is the current unemployment rate among Gen Z in Indonesia?

Around 20% of Gen Z in Indonesia are unemployed, which translates to approximately 10 million people.

What is causing the high unemployment rate among young people in Indonesia?

The high unemployment rate is largely due to a disconnect between the fields young people are studying and the actual demands of the workforce.

How are young Indonesians reacting to the unemployment issue?

Many young people, including recent graduates, are frustrated by the lack of job opportunities, despite having good academic qualifications and internship experience.

What challenges did the speaker's friends face when looking for jobs in Indonesia?

The speaker's friends, who were fresh graduates, struggled to secure jobs despite being hard workers with good university records and internship experience. Some were even told that the job positions were no longer available after they reached the final stage of interviews.

What role does the Indonesian government believe education plays in the unemployment problem?

The Indonesian government believes that the high unemployment rate is partly due to the overemphasis on university degrees and the lack of focus on vocational training, which could better align young people's skills with the job market.

What sectors in Indonesia are particularly in need of vocational graduates?

Sectors such as agriculture, mining, and forestry are in need of vocational graduates, as these industries are vital to the Indonesian economy.

Why is there an overemphasis on higher education degrees in Indonesia?

In Indonesian society, there is a cultural prioritization of higher education degrees as a symbol of success, which has led to fewer young people pursuing vocational training despite its relevance to critical industries.

How might vocational education address the unemployment crisis in Indonesia?

Vocational education can provide practical skills directly aligned with the needs of key industries in Indonesia, which could help reduce the unemployment rate and ensure that young people are better prepared for the job market.

What is the opinion of experts regarding the educational gap in Indonesia?

Experts agree that there is a mismatch between the types of education young people are receiving and the types of jobs available. They emphasize the need for more focus on vocational training to meet industry demands.

What advice was given to young Indonesians facing unemployment?

Young Indonesians are encouraged to be creative in responding to the unemployment issue, possibly by pursuing alternative career paths or seeking vocational training to better align their skills with the job market.