JTUS, Vol. 02, No. 4 April 2024
E-ISSN:
2984-7435, P-ISSN: 2984-7427
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58631/jtus.v2i4.109 |
The Impact of High Job
Qualification Standards on Unemployment Rates Among Fresh Graduates in
Indonesia
Adelia Azzahra1*, Septien Dwi Savandha2, R. Mahendra Haryo Bharoto3, Nzoussi
Hilaire Kevin4
1,2,3Swadaya Gunung Jati University,
Cirebon, West Java, Indonesia
4China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
Email: [email protected]1*, [email protected]2, [email protected]3, [email protected]4
Abstract This study aims
to identify and analyze the main challenges faced
by new graduates in Indonesia in entering the job market, focusing on the
high job qualification standards that often do not align with the skills
possessed by graduates. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2023
shows that the open unemployment rate for university graduates is 5.34%,
higher than the national average of 4.86%. Only 53% of university graduates
work according to their field of study, while 40% of employers feel that new
graduates lack the necessary competencies. A descriptive qualitative method
was used, with primary data from in-depth interviews and focus group
discussions, as well as secondary data from BPS and related institutions. The
analysis indicates a significant gap between the higher education curriculum
and the job market requirements, and the high qualification standards of
companies. This study recommends updating the higher education curriculum to
better align with job market needs, increasing internship and job training
programs to provide practical experience, enhancing career development
services on campus, providing incentives for companies that recruit new
graduates, and implementing regular policy monitoring and evaluation to
ensure continuous improvement. These measures are expected to not only reduce
the unemployment rate of new graduates but also support sustainable economic
growth in Indonesia. Keywords:
Fresh Graduates, Job Market, Job Qualification Standards, Unemployment. |
INTRODUCTION
In
the midst of the era of globalization and rapid economic dynamics, new
graduates in Indonesia are faced with the main challenge, namely high standards
of job qualifications, often not in line with the skills they have
Indonesia,
like other developing countries, experiences a significant gap between the job
qualification requirements demanded by the labor market and the qualifications
possessed by university graduates
One
of the problems of concern in Indonesia is the inconsistency of high job
qualification standards with the competencies possessed by new graduates
This
problem is increasingly urgent to address immediately, given the significant
economic and social impact of unemployment among new graduates
Previous
studies have shown several factors that affect the unemployment rate among new
graduates in Indonesia. Rahman
Meanwhile,
Sitompul
Based
on the findings of previous studies, the novelty that can be contributed to
this study is to analyze, more specifically, the
impact of high job qualification standards on the unemployment rate of new
graduates. This study will delve deeper into how highly qualified recruitment
policies and practices in Indonesian companies affect the ability of recent
graduates to get jobs, as well as their implications for unemployment rates
among them
This
study aims to analyze how high employment
qualification standards affect the overall dynamics of unemployment in
Indonesia, with a focus on a deeper understanding of the factors that
contribute to the problem of unemployment among new graduates in Indonesia.
This research is expected to provide new insights and practical recommendations
to address these issues and provide valuable input for policymakers and
stakeholders in designing effective strategies to align graduate qualifications
with labour market needs. In the end, the results of this research are expected
to contribute to increasing the absorption of new graduates and sustainable
economic growth in Indonesia.
METHODS
This
study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach to explore the
experiences and perceptions of new graduates in Indonesia who have not yet
found a job after graduating from university in 2023. Primary data is collected
through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) with 20-30
respondents for interviews and 3-5 groups for FGD, each consisting of 5-7
people. Purposive sampling is used to select respondents based on specific
criteria, such as graduates from 2023 who are still unemployed, along with
snowball sampling to find additional relevant respondents. Secondary data is
obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and other related
institutions. Data analysis is conducted through thematic analysis, involving
transcription, coding, theme grouping, and in-depth analysis to identify
patterns and relationships between themes. The findings are validated through
data triangulation, member checking, and peer debriefing to ensure consistency
and accuracy
This
research also considers ethical aspects by obtaining informed consent from all
respondents and maintaining the confidentiality of their personal information.
Respondents are informed about the study's purpose, procedures, and their right
to withdraw at any time. While this study provides deep insights into the
factors affecting the unemployment rate among new graduates in Indonesia, there
are limitations to be noted. These include potential bias from purposive
sampling and the limited generalizability of the findings to a broader
population. Despite these limitations, this approach aims to offer targeted
recommendations for policies that support the alignment of graduate
qualifications with labor market needs.
RESULTS
AND DISCUSSION
Statistics
on Unemployment Among Recent Graduates
Based on BPS data in 2023, the unemployment situation among new
graduates in Indonesia shows several significant trends. The open unemployment
rate for university graduates reached 5.34%, exceeding the national average of
4.86%. This indicates that college graduates face greater challenges in finding
jobs compared to the general population. In addition, the data also revealed
that around 2.6 million university graduates had not managed to enter the job
market in the same year.
Table
1. Statistics on Unemployment in College Fresh Graduates
Category |
Numbers/Levels |
Open
Unemployment Rate |
5.34%
(College Graduates) |
National
Unemployment Rate |
4,88% |
This phenomenon highlights several problems in the education and
employment ecosystem in Indonesia. First, the gap between the educational
curriculum and the job market needs can cause a high unemployment rate among
new graduates. Education that is not fully relevant to the demands of the
industry can result in limited skills needed by the job market, making it
difficult for graduates to compete.
In addition, there is also an issue about the quality of information
provision and career briefing for graduates. Many college graduates may be
unprepared in terms of soft skills, such as communication skills, leadership,
and adaptation to a dynamic work environment. This can affect their ability to
face the selection and job placement process.
To overcome this challenge, a holistic approach is needed from the
government, universities, and the private sector. Colleges need to improve the
quality of education by updating the curriculum according to industry
developments and incorporating more relevant skills training. Governments can
also play an important role in facilitating industry involvement in the
education and training process and providing support programs to facilitate
graduates' transition into the workforce.
With these measures, there is expected to be an increase in the
employment of new graduates and a reduction in the unemployment rate among
them, which in turn will support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in
Indonesia.
Qualification Gap and Job Market
The study results show a significant gap between the job qualification
requirements and competencies possessed by new graduates in Indonesia.
According to the World Bank (2022), only 53% of university graduates in
Indonesia work according to their field of study. This data shows that almost
half of graduates are forced to work in fields that do not match their
educational background. This raises questions about the relevance of the higher
education curriculum to the job market's needs.
Research conducted by the Ministry of Education and Culture (2021)
strengthens these findings. From a survey conducted on entrepreneurs, 40% feel
that new graduates do not have the competencies needed for the positions they
offer. Employers highlight that many graduates lack practical and soft skills
such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Table 2. Percentage of Graduates Working in accordance with the Field of
Study
Information |
Percentage |
Work according to your field of study |
53% |
Not working according to the field of
study |
47% |
This
gap shows that there is a disconnect between the world of education and the
world of work. Higher education systems may need to adapt to focus more on
developing skills relevant to industry needs. Increased cooperation between
educational institutions and the private sector can help bridge this gap
through internship programs, industrial training, and job market needs-based
curricula.
Additionally,
it is important to regularly review and update the curriculum to keep up with
technological developments and global demands. Improvements in these areas will
not only increase the job suitability of graduates in their field of study but
will also reduce the unemployment rate and increase overall productivity.
High
Job Qualification Standards
In
Indonesia, high job qualification standards are often a major challenge for new
graduates entering the job market. Many companies require prospective employees
to have a combination of high academic grades, relevant work experience, and
specific skills that match the position offered. For example, for advanced
managerial or technical positions, companies often require a minimum of several
years of work experience in a related industry as well as a specific
educational degree from a reputable college. This makes it more difficult for
recent graduates who have just completed their education to compete with more
experienced candidates.
Table
3. Entry-Level Job Requirements in Indonesia
Position |
Minimum
Qualifications |
Minimum Work
Experience |
Specific Skills
Required |
Administrative Staff |
Bachelor's
Degree in Administration or equivalent |
1-2 years |
Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel,
PowerPoint), project management, advanced communication skills, strategic
planning |
Research Assistant |
Bachelor's
Degree in Social Sciences or Natural Sciences |
1-2 years |
Analytical skills, quantitative and
qualitative research methodologies, advanced report writing, statistical
software proficiency (e.g., SPSS, R) |
Junior Programmer |
Bachelor's
Degree in Computer Science or Engineering |
1-2 years |
Basic programming (Python, Java), full-stack
web development, version control systems (e.g., Git), software development
life cycle (SDLC) knowledge |
Junior Accountant |
Bachelor's
Degree in Accounting |
1-2 years |
Basic accounting knowledge, ERP systems
proficiency (e.g., SAP, Oracle), financial analysis, auditing skills |
Digital Marketing Assistant |
Bachelor's
Degree in Marketing or Communications |
1-2 years |
Knowledge of SEO/SEM, digital marketing strategies,
data-driven marketing, content creation and management, marketing analytics
tools proficiency (e.g., Google Analytics) |
Customer Service Representative |
Bachelor's
Degree in any field |
1-2 years |
Communication skills, conflict resolution,
customer relationship management (CRM) software proficiency, emotional
intelligence |
Junior Graphic Designer |
Bachelor's
Degree in Graphic Design or Fine Arts |
1-2 years |
Adobe Creative Suite, UX/UI design,
branding and identity design, animation and multimedia skills |
Junior Data Analyst |
Bachelor's
Degree in Statistics or Mathematics |
1-2 years |
Excel, knowledge of data analysis, proficiency
in data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL), machine learning basics,
business intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) |
The table above illustrates the general requirements for entry-level positions in Indonesia that are often set by companies. Each position requires a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Administration, Social Sciences, Computer Science, Accounting, Marketing, or Graphic Design. Additionally, companies typically require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of work experience, even for entry-level positions. This indicates that having work experience is crucial for new graduates to compete in the job market. Each position also demands specific skills relevant to its field. For example, Administrative Staff must be proficient in Microsoft Office, project management, advanced communication, and strategic planning.
Discussion
It
is important for a job vacancy to be written realistically, reasonably, and not
discriminatory. Realistic job descriptions help prevent gaps between potential
applicants' expectations and job reality, reducing the risk of employees
feeling dissatisfied or disappointed after starting a job
However,
job vacancies with unreasonable qualifications are still often found. Some of
the reasons why this may happen include the following: First, the HR team may
not have enough experience in the recruitment process, especially in growing
small- to medium-sized companies. Less experienced HR may not realize that the
set requirements look unreasonable or don't match the actual level of work.
Second, companies prefer to get the perfect candidate over a candidate who is
ready to work, so they set the qualifications as high as possible to get the
best candidate, even though this takes more time and effort. Third, companies
can be affected by the latest industry trends or practices in the recruitment
world that may not always be suitable for every situation.
Entry-level
job positions in Indonesia typically require a combination of academic
qualifications, work experience (1-2 years), and specific skills tailored to
each role
The
open unemployment rate (TPT) among university graduates in Indonesia will reach
5.34% in 2023, higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.88%. This data
shows that college graduates have greater difficulty entering the job market
compared to the general population. In addition, as many as 2.6 million
university graduates have not managed to get a job in the same year, indicating
a fundamental problem in Indonesia's education and employment ecosystem
According
to the World Bank (2022), only 53% of university graduates in Indonesia work in
accordance with their field of study, indicating that almost half of graduates
work in fields that do not match their educational background. This raises
questions about the relevance of the higher education curriculum to the needs
of the current job market. Research conducted by the Ministry of Education and
Culture (2021) supports these findings, with 40% of employers feeling that new
graduates do not have the necessary competencies for the positions they offer.
This gap highlights the disconnect between education and the workforce, which
requires the adaptation of higher education systems to focus more on developing
skills relevant to industry needs.
Previous
studies by Asuncion et al.
The
high standard of job qualifications in Indonesia is a major challenge for new
graduates entering the job market. Many companies require prospective employees
to have a combination of high academic grades, relevant work experience, and
specific skills that match the position offered
A
holistic approach from the government, universities, and the private sector is
needed to address the unemployment challenge among recent graduates
Policy
Implications and Recommendations
Higher
Education Curriculum Updates
The
higher education curriculum should be updated regularly to reflect the current
needs of the industry. For example, the study program may include more modules
on the latest technology, analytical skills, and soft skills such as
communication and teamwork. Colleges can work closely with companies to ensure
the material taught is relevant to the job market's needs.
Internship
and Job Training Programs
Educational
institutions and companies should strengthen collaboration in providing
internship and job training programs. The program should be designed to provide
practical experience that is directly related to the position desired by the
student. Companies can offer clearly structured internships, including
performance assessments and feedback that can help participants develop the
skills needed.
On-Campus
Career Development Initiatives
Colleges
should provide comprehensive career development services, including career
guidance, CV writing workshops and interview preparation, as well as job fairs
that present various companies. These services help students understand the job
market, build professional networks, and prepare for recruitment.
Incentives
for Hiring New Graduates
The
government can incentivize companies to actively recruit new graduates, such as
through tax breaks or training subsidies. This can encourage companies to open
up more job opportunities for new graduates, helping them gain much-needed
initial experience.
Policy
Monitoring and Evaluation
The
implementation of the recommended policies needs to be monitored and evaluated
periodically. The government and related institutions must conduct surveys and
research to measure the effectiveness of policies and programs that have been
implemented, as well as make adjustments based on the evaluation results.
CONCLUSION
This
research reveals that new graduates in Indonesia face great challenges in
entering the job market due to high job qualification standards and lack of
compatibility between the higher education curriculum and the needs of the job
market, so the open unemployment rate for university graduates reaches 5.34% in
2023, higher than the national average of 4.86%. Only 53% of graduates work
according to their field of study, while 40% of entrepreneurs feel that new
graduates lack the required competencies. To address this issue, it is
recommended that the higher education curriculum be updated to reflect industry
needs, strengthen internship and job training programs, provide on-campus
career development services, provide incentives to companies that recruit new
graduates, and regularly monitor and evaluate policies. These measures are
expected to reduce the unemployment rate of new graduates and support
sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.
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Copyright
holder: Adelia Azzahra,
Septien Dwi Savandha, R.
Mahendra Haryo Bharoto, Nzoussi Hilaire Kevin (2024) |
First
publication right: Journal Transnational Universal Studies (JTUS) |
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