Banyak Sarjana Menganggur & Susah Dapat Kerja, Pengamat: Alarm Bahaya bagi Pemerintah

Summary

The discussion focuses on the rising unemployment among highly educated individuals in Indonesia, despite their qualifications, during an economic slowdown. Expert Teguh Dartanto explains how the economic decline impacts sectors requiring skilled labor, particularly in government, finance, and mining. The mismatch between education and job market demands is also highlighted, with education not aligning with the skills needed in the workforce. Dartanto calls on the government to focus on improving the quality of education and offer incentives to businesses to prevent further layoffs, while stressing the need for urgent action to address these issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Economic slowdown is significantly increasing unemployment, especially among educated workers with higher degrees (D4, S1, S2, S3).
• 😀 The unemployment rate for educated workers has risen to 13.89% as of February 2025, an increase from 12.12% in February 2024.
• 😀 High-skill sectors such as government administration, finance, insurance, and mining are particularly affected by the economic downturn, leading to job cuts.
• 😀 There's a mismatch between the skills taught in universities and those needed by industries, particularly in high-demand fields like IT and finance.
• 😀 Many highly educated workers are unwilling to take jobs in sectors like agriculture or construction, which are growing but seen as low-status or labor-intensive.
• 😀 The education system focuses more on quantity rather than quality, producing a large number of graduates but not equipping them with the relevant skills needed by the labor market.
• 😀 The government must be more active in creating job opportunities, particularly by focusing on fiscal policies and investments in infrastructure.
• 😀 There's an urgent need for the government to review and adjust public sector efficiency policies, which are impacting key sectors like finance and hospitality.
• 😀 Providing incentives to companies to avoid layoffs, such as tax reductions or subsidies for employee benefits, could help reduce unemployment during the downturn.
• 😀 The government must act swiftly and clearly to address the economic crisis, moving from promises to real, effective actions that create job opportunities for both educated and non-educated workers.

Q & A

How does economic slowdown affect unemployment among educated workers?

The economic slowdown tends to cause a sharper increase in unemployment among workers with higher education (medium to advanced level) compared to those with lower education levels. This is due to the sectors most affected by the slowdown, which often require highly skilled workers.

Why are higher education graduates more affected by economic slowdown?

Graduates with higher education, such as those with diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, or advanced degrees, are mostly employed in sectors like government administration, finance, insurance, and mining, which are highly sensitive to economic slowdown. A decrease in activity in these sectors leads to higher unemployment for these educated workers.

How has the unemployment rate among highly educated workers changed in recent months?

As of February 2025, the unemployment rate for highly educated workers (D4, S1, S2, S3) rose to 6.23%, an increase of almost 1 percentage point compared to February 2024. This rise is attributed to the economic slowdown, which impacted key sectors employing these graduates.

What role does the mismatch between education and market needs play in unemployment among educated workers?

The mismatch between educational qualifications and market needs contributes significantly to the unemployment of educated workers. This occurs when there is a gap between the skills taught in universities and the skills required by industries, leading to a shortage of workers in certain high-demand fields like IT and finance.

Why do highly educated workers avoid certain sectors like agriculture and construction?

Highly educated workers often avoid sectors like agriculture and construction because these jobs are perceived as dirty, hard, or dangerous. They prefer roles that align with their advanced skills and education, such as in administration or corporate positions.

What is the mismatch between education and the needs of the job market in Indonesia?

The mismatch arises because Indonesia's higher education system often produces large numbers of graduates without adequately aligning their skills with the demands of the job market. For example, while there is a high demand for IT professionals and finance experts, the education system may not produce enough qualified individuals to meet these needs.

How can the government address the issue of mismatched skills in the labor market?

The government can address this by focusing on improving the quality of education, not just the quantity. Universities need to align their curriculum with the skills needed in the workforce, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet industry demands.

What is the government's role in alleviating unemployment during an economic slowdown?

During an economic slowdown, the government plays a crucial role by acting as an economic engine. It should consider revising efficiency policies and increasing public spending to create new jobs. Furthermore, providing incentives to businesses to avoid layoffs and offering financial support for companies can help mitigate the unemployment crisis.

What measures can the government take to prevent layoffs during economic downturns?

The government can offer incentives such as tax breaks or subsidies for companies that avoid layoffs. Additionally, providing financial support for employee benefits like health insurance and job security can help businesses manage the costs of keeping workers during tough economic times.

Do you think the government’s actions so far have been sufficient to support the labor market during the economic slowdown?

No, the government’s actions have not been optimal. While some efforts have been made, there is still a lack of clarity and consistency in policies. More decisive action and clear strategies are needed to address the challenges facing the labor market, especially for educated workers who are struggling to find jobs.