Overcoming Unemployment Problems, Puan Maharani Encourages The Government To Boost Economic Growth

Puan Maharani (Photo: DOK PDIP)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani highlighted the high unemployment rate in Indonesia. She encouraged the government to boost economic growth in order to absorb labor. "The need to take swift action to reduce the unemployment rate in Indonesia is very much needed. It is very important to take concrete steps in dealing with the increasingly high unemployment problem," said Puan in a statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday, November 8. Based on records from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of unemployed in Indonesia reached 7.86 million people as of August 2023 or equivalent to the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) of 5.32 percent of the total 147.71 workforce. As for the province, the highest unemployment rate is occupied by Banten at 7.52 percent. Then followed by West Java at 7.44 percent, Riau Islands at 6.80 percent, Jakarta at 6.53 percent and Maluku at 6.31 percent. Reflecting on this, Puan encouraged the government to intervene to increase sustainable economic growth. The government is reminded to take strategic steps, such as inviting investment that can create jobs, both domestic and foreign. "Investasi merupakan motor utama dalam mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi. Dengan menarik investasi, kita dapat membuka peluang kerja baru dan meningkatkan produktivitas ekonomi," ucap mantan Menko PMK itu. Puan also encouraged the government to focus on sectors that have the potential for economic growth. Such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and tourism industries. "This can create strong economic diversification, which is more resistant to global economic fluctuations," said Puan. Furthermore, support from the government for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurship is considered necessary to prioritize. Because according to Puan, MSMEs are a significant source of potential employment.

"For example, by providing access to financing, training, and guidance to small entrepreneurs. This can help them develop and create more jobs," he said.