Indonesian minister urges graduates to seek diverse career paths beyond civil service

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Penitentiary Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has advised Indonesian university graduates to broaden their career horizons beyond traditional paths like civil service or large corporations. Speaking at the International Public Service Day commemoration and later at the 37th graduation ceremony of Universitas Bangka Belitung (UBB), Mahendra stressed the evolving nature of the job market.

He highlighted that competition for positions in government and the private sector is intensifying. Using the example of Bangka Belitung province, where many still aspire to work for PT Timah Tbk, Mahendra pointed out that even major companies face business challenges, limiting job opportunities. "The condition makes job opportunities increasingly limited, so university graduates must have broader career choices and strategies," he stated.

Mahendra urged graduates to remain optimistic and explore various avenues for self-development. He specifically recommended pursuing higher education through available government scholarship programs. "Currently, there are good opportunities for students and graduates to get scholarships to continue their education at a higher level, both domestically and abroad, to build Bangka Belitung," he said.

The minister expressed confidence in UBB graduates' ability to compete for scholarships at top universities in Indonesia and worldwide. He underscored that enhancing human resource quality is a crucial long-term investment for regional progress.