PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Chairman of the Bandung City Regional People's Representative Council, Asep Mulyadi, expressed his support for the Bandung City Government's employment program, which is considered effective in reducing unemployment rates, while attending the 2026 Future Connect Job Fair for the Central Bandung Region at the Bandung Sports Hall (18/6/2026).

Asep Mulyadi said that holding job fairs is a solution that brings job seekers together with companies, thereby expanding people's opportunities to find employment.

He appreciated the Bandung City Manpower Office's consistent efforts in holding job fairs in various regions to facilitate residents' access to job vacancies.

"This demonstrates the government's presence in providing solutions to public concerns and the needs of companies seeking workers," he said.

Asep assessed that the success of the employment program should be measured by the number of people who successfully obtain employment, not just the number of participants who take part in the activities.

He said that the previous job fair at Teras Cibiru was attended by around 1,500 participants and succeeded in channeling 435 people into the world of work through participating companies.

"The most important thing is not just the event itself, but also how big an impact it will have on reducing the open unemployment rate in Bandung City," he said.

Currently, the open unemployment rate in Bandung City is around 7.22 percent, so various labor absorption programs need to be continuously strengthened in a measured and sustainable manner.

The Bandung City Regional People's Representative Council is ready to support additional funding if programs such as job fairs, vocational training, apprenticeships, and job placements prove effective in increasing employment.

"We will continue to coordinate and evaluate. If these programs are effective in reducing unemployment, we will certainly support their expansion," he said.

Asep encouraged job seekers to take advantage of available opportunities, improve their competencies, and maintain discipline and loyalty after being accepted to work so they can compete in the world of work.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)