PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Manpower Office (Disnaker) is strengthening various strategies to reduce the unemployment rate, which currently stands at around 99,300 people.

Amidst economic challenges such as high inflation, the rising dollar exchange rate, and rising fuel prices, the Manpower Office has chosen to transform its program to be more targeted and able to open up wider job opportunities.

The Head of the Bandung City Manpower Office, Yayan Ahmad Brilyana, stated that he is preparing major changes in job training patterns, overseas internship programs, and the organization of job fairs to more effectively reach job seekers.

"Our unemployment rate is still high. Therefore, we continue to work hard to reduce it, despite the challenging economic situation," said Yayan at the Bandung City Manpower Office on Tuesday (June 30, 2026).

Starting in 2027, job training will be divided into two schemes. Basic training, such as cooking, hairdressing, and digital skills that do not require certification, will be implemented by other regional agencies, such as the Youth and Sports Office, the Cooperatives and SMEs Office, the Trade and Industry Office, the Social Services Office, and other agencies.

The Department of Manpower will focus on competency-based training that results in certification so that participants have higher competitiveness in the world of work.

Furthermore, the overseas internship scheme has also been revised. While previously the government provided mass training for participants before their departure, the Manpower Office now provides direct subsidies to prospective participants who have been confirmed as being accepted by a Job Training Institute (LPK) for work or internships abroad.

"We're now proactively reaching out. When Bandung residents are ready to leave through the LPK, we provide subsidies. This way, aid is more targeted," he said.

Yayan believes that job opportunities abroad are still very open. This change in the program was made after an evaluation revealed that many previous training participants had canceled their plans due to various factors, including family issues.

Meanwhile, the Manpower Office (Disnaker) is also changing the concept of holding job fairs. Previously centralized in one location, the event will now be moved to sub-districts with high labor needs, bringing them closer to the community.

Furthermore, job fairs are now being streamlined through an online system using the New Bimma app. This platform allows job seekers to apply for positions without having to visit the location in person, while companies continue to facilitate the centralized recruitment process.

Currently, around 20 companies have opened more than 2,492 job openings through New Bimma. In addition, there are also around 1,792 openings available from national platforms accessible to the public.

"What we're doing is connecting companies in need with people looking for work. That's why we've increased the frequency of job fairs to once a month and made them more efficient through an online system," he explained.

The Department of Manpower also offers a free Talent Hub service. This program provides interest and aptitude tests with psychologists so job seekers can identify the career fields that best suit their potential.

According to him, the current labor demand in Bandung City is still dominated by the trade, retail, marketing (sales), logistics, and shipping sectors. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector remains relatively limited, although the need for communication and public speaking skills remains high.

For 2026, the Bandung City Government is targeting a reduction in the open unemployment rate to 7.22 percent.

The digital-based job fair has also received a positive response from job seekers. Resa Septiani, a Bandung resident, said the application process via the app is more convenient because it provides a pre-interview process.

"It's easier online. So during the interview, we already know the initial questions, having filled them out in advance on the app," he said.

Another resident, Teguh Putra, who recently participated in a job interview, echoed this sentiment. He said the online recruitment system makes the job search process more efficient.

"I think it's easier to apply online. You don't have to leave the house just to submit an application. You can just show up when you're called for an interview, which saves time," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/rka)