PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Morning enthusiasm radiated from the Batununggal District Office yard on Tuesday (June 9, 2026). Dozens of residents from various sub-districts gathered in work gear, ready to begin the 2026 Thematic Labor-Intensive Program initiated by the Bandung City Government.

Amidst economic challenges and persistently high unemployment rates, this program offers a glimmer of hope for people to remain productive and earn income.

The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, directly sent off the participants from the sub-districts of Maleer, Samoja, Cibangkong, Kebon Gedang, Gumuruh and Kacapiring.

According to Farhan, the labor-intensive program is not just about providing temporary jobs, but also serves as a bridge for residents who are still struggling to escape open unemployment.

"There are a total of around 8,600 labor-intensive program participants in Bandung City this year. This provides a bridge for people still looking for permanent employment. While working and earning an income, they can still seek more permanent employment opportunities," he said.

Farhan revealed that the open unemployment rate in Bandung City is currently still around 7.2 percent.

Therefore, the Bandung City Government continues to develop various strategies to open access to employment, both through labor-intensive programs and online and offline job vacancy information services.

"The government doesn't just provide jobs, it also provides access and information about jobs. We want to be a bridge between job seekers and the business world, so that job opportunities become more open," he said.

In his speech, Farhan motivated the participants to remain enthusiastic about working and not give up in the face of circumstances.

He explained that productivity isn't always synonymous with formal employment. As long as someone is willing to work, create, and provide benefits, they are contributing to themselves and their surroundings.

"Never be ashamed as long as we can still move. It means we still have dignity and status. The important thing is to keep working and creating," he emphasized, to applause from the audience.

This year's Thematic Labor-Intensive Program focuses on environmental management and regional cleanliness. In addition to helping residents earn income, the program is also expected to create a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable environment for the community.

Interestingly, the labor-intensive program participants come from diverse backgrounds. One of them is Dava (23), a final-semester student from Kacapiring Village. Amidst his busy schedule completing his studies, he chose to participate in the program because he saw its benefits to the community.

"This program is very helpful to residents. The environment is cleaner and more well-maintained. Furthermore, residents also benefit economically. I hope programs like this continue in the future," said Dava.

Sri (62), a housewife from Kacapiring, expressed similar sentiments. She believes the labor-intensive program is a good solution for residents who don't yet have permanent employment.

"This program is good for the community, especially those who haven't found stable employment. Hopefully, the number will increase in the future," he said.

Meanwhile, Yoga, an online motorcycle taxi driver from Cibangkong Subdistrict, admitted that the program provided a very significant additional income amidst uncertain daily income.

"When I'm driving a motorcycle taxi, it's sometimes busy, sometimes quiet. With this labor-intensive service, I'm guaranteed additional income. Plus, with BPJS (Social Security) and work accident insurance, I feel more at ease while working," he said.

Yoga hopes that similar programs can be expanded in scope so that more residents can benefit from them.

Amidst various urban economic challenges, the Thematic Labor-Intensive Program is proof that efforts to address unemployment do not always have to be carried out through large projects.

By directly involving residents in cleaning and environmental management activities, this program is able to provide two benefits at once: keeping the city clean and providing income for the community.

For the Bandung City Government, labor-intensive work is not just about sweeping streets, cleaning rivers, or tidying up the environment.

More than that, this program symbolizes the government's presence in society, providing space for citizens to remain productive, maintain their dignity, and face the future with optimism.

"All Bandung residents must be productive. Opportunities always exist for those willing to try," concluded Farhan. (Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)