Jakarta's Career Fest aims to boost employment, but challenges remain for some job seekers

Jakarta's provincial government is actively working to open doors for its citizens into the workforce through initiatives like the Career Fest. The event, held at GOR Ciracas, provided a platform for job seekers like Apni Nelya, 37, to connect directly with potential employers, bypassing the need to individually approach numerous companies.

Nelya, who traveled from East Jakarta, learned about the job fair through regular inquiries at the local Manpower Office. She found the Career Fest highly beneficial for accessing a wider range of opportunities. However, as a person with a history of autoimmune conditions and a disability, she noted that the options available for disabled applicants were fewer than for the general pool. Nelya expressed a hope for more disability-friendly positions in future events, emphasizing the need for equal treatment in hiring.

Tyas Ananda, a 19-year-old fresh graduate from Ciracas, also found the job fair helpful due to her limited professional network. The event allowed her to view various openings and understand the skills employers seek. Yet, Tyas believes recent high school graduates require more specific guidance. She suggested the implementation of specialized training programs tailored for high school and vocational school graduates to better prepare them for the competitive job market.

Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, affirmed the government's commitment to continuing these job fairs, stating they are crucial for matching job seekers with companies. He confirmed that both general and disability-specific job fairs will be organized. These efforts, alongside training and internship programs, aim to address not only the quantity of job vacancies but also the quality of information, skills alignment, and equitable access for all Jakarta residents seeking employment.