2.7 Million Indonesians Lose Hope in Job Search, BRIN Reports

Rising Numbers of Discouraged Workers

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that the number of Indonesians who have given up looking for work has tripled since 2019. In 2024, this figure reached 2.7 million people, up from 883,000 in 2019. Zamroni Salim, Head of the Macroeconomic and Financial Research Center at BRIN, presented these findings at the Economic Outlook 2026 Seminar held in Jakarta.

Educational Background of Discouraged Workers

The data shows that the majority of these discouraged workers are junior high school graduates, making up 37.97% of the total. Senior high school graduates follow at 24.86%, while those with elementary education or less constitute a significant portion as well. Even graduates with higher education degrees have seen an increase in numbers, indicating that job market challenges are affecting various educational backgrounds.

Implications for Indonesia's Labor Market

This significant rise in discouraged workers highlights the growing difficulties in Indonesia's labor market. The increasing numbers across various educational levels suggest that the issue is complex and multifaceted, requiring comprehensive solutions. As Zamroni Salim noted, "There are a number of labor force participants who have become discouraged. They are unable to find employment, and from 2019 to 2024, this number has grown to 2.7 million people."

Future Outlook

The findings underscore the need for targeted employment strategies and labor market interventions. As Indonesia looks towards economic recovery and growth, addressing the root causes of this trend will be crucial for creating a more inclusive and robust job market.