PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—The West Kalimantan Provincial Administration is expanding partnerships with businesses and education providers. The aim is to strengthen workforce skills as the province faces an open unemployment rate of 4.57 percent.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded a labor force of approximately 3.04 million people in West Kalimantan in February 2026.

The unemployment rate represented roughly 139,000 people without jobs. It was 0.34 percentage points higher than the 4.23 percent reported in February 2025.

The number of employed residents nevertheless increased by around 115,840 year-on-year, reaching 2.91 million. Vocational high school graduates recorded the province’s highest unemployment rate by education level, at 5.87 percent.

This underscores the gap between formal education and industry requirements. BPS compiled the figures through its February 2026 National Labor Force Survey, covering 77,400 households nationwide.

Against this backdrop, West Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Harisson released the first batch of workers and apprentices. The provincial PKBM Communication Forum and state-owned plantation company PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara recruited them through a joint program.

The ceremony took place at the company’s office on Husein Hamzah Street in Pontianak on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

“The government cannot resolve employment problems alone; businesses, educational institutions and the community must work together,” Harisson said.

Harisson said apprenticeships provide more than temporary employment. They allow participants to learn workplace routines, technical procedures, professional communication and corporate standards. Formal education may not fully cover these.

“They do not only receive theory but also real experience, giving them a stronger foundation for building their future careers,” he said.

According to Harisson, employers increasingly assess applicants on practical competence, discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and technological proficiency—not merely academic qualifications.

“Companies today seek more than workers with diplomas. They need disciplined, competent people who can work in teams, learn quickly and adapt to technological advances,” he said.

He urged participants to regard the program as an opportunity to develop professional character and long-term employability.

“Working is not only about earning an income but also about building character, improving skills and preparing for a better future,” Harisson said.

“Never be satisfied with the abilities you have today, because the world of work continues to change and demands that we continually improve our skills,” he added.

The provincial administration plans to broaden cooperation with companies, schools and training institutions. As a result, more residents can access productive and sustainable employment.

“We want more young people in West Kalimantan to become competitive professional workers. Partnerships like this must therefore be continuously expanded and sustained,” Harisson said.

He also called for the program to continue beyond its first batch. He wants it to reach jobseekers across West Kalimantan’s regencies and cities.

“We hope this program will continue so that more West Kalimantan residents can secure employment, improve their competence and ultimately raise their families’ welfare,” he said.

“Become professional, honest and disciplined workers, and show that West Kalimantan’s human resources have the quality to compete in the labor market. Use this opportunity as a stepping stone toward a better future,” Harisson concluded.