Jokowi: Global Unemployment Could Be 207 Million People This Year

President Joko Widodo (Photo: BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed that this year's global unemployment reached 207 million people, an increase of 21 million people from 2019. This data refers to projections published by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Jokowi said this increase was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is now a challenge for the employment sector.

"The ILO's projections for the global unemployment rate could reach 207 million people in 2022 or 21 million more than 2019", said Jokowi when opening the ILO Global Forum which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Wednesday, February 23.

With these conditions, Jokowi considered that seriousness was needed to restore the world of work. At least several steps must be taken, such as opening up new jobs to increase abilities.

"We must work together to create new job opportunities, alignment and innovation are needed to create more job opportunities", said the former Governor of DKI Jakarta.

However, this step must be in line with the improvement of the investment climate that is pro-community. "Including the sustainable green economy sector", said Jokowi.

Meanwhile, regarding capacity building, Jokowi said this must be done so that the community is ready to face global competition. "We must continue to do re-skilling and up-skilling, both by the government and the private sector", he said.

Furthermore, Jokowi also touched on digital literacy education. He said this step must be a priority in the midst of the current wave of digital transformation so that workers can survive and keep up with the times.

Before closing his statement, Jokowi had time to show off his work program, namely, Pre-Employment Cards for seekers and employees who have dropped out of work. According to him, the program has succeeded in making people acquire new skills.

"The Indonesian government has launched a pre-employment program for job seekers, as well as those who have dropped out of work to acquire new skills or unlock the entrepreneurial potential", he said.

"Let's work together to create a more inclusive and sustainable world of work, recover together, recover stronger", concluded Jokowi.