Samarinda DPRD: Technical Skill Enhancement Strengthens Regional Industry Competitiveness

Helmi Abdullah, Chairman of the Samarinda Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), has stressed the critical importance of enhancing technical skills to align with industry needs, viewing it as a strategic move to bolster the competitiveness of the local workforce. This initiative is deemed essential for improving the quality of human resources and supporting regional economic growth.

Abdullah pointed out that the increasing digitalization of industries necessitates that the younger generation acquire practical, hard skills and digital technology proficiency, rather than relying solely on formal education. He stated, "Young people must master practical hard skills and digital technology to face a completely changed job landscape."

Citing data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Abdullah revealed that Samarinda's unemployment rate was approximately 25,000 people, or 5.31%, in 2025. Although this figure represents a slight decrease from 2024, the real number of unemployed remains substantial. He urged new graduates to shift their perspective, as a diploma alone is no longer a guarantee of employment. "Competence and practical skills are now the main determining variables," he asserted.

Abdullah further warned that the challenges in the job market are expected to grow annually due to the continuous influx of fresh graduates overwhelming the available job opportunities. He called for a collaborative effort between the regional government, businesses, and educational institutions to address this gap and ensure local human resources precisely meet industry demands, both regionally and globally. The unemployment rate in East Kalimantan province also remains a significant concern at 5.27% as of February 2026.