Reflections from a Sea of Job Seekers at the Cikarang Job Fair

On Tuesday, 27 May 2025, more than 25,000 job seekers crowded the "Bekasi Pasti Kerja 2025" Job Fair held at the President University Convention Center in Cikarang. This staggering figure stands in stark contrast to the mere 2,517 job openings offered by 64 companies across various industrial zones in Bekasi Regency. The overwhelming turnout led to instances of physical distress, with some participants reportedly fainting due to the dense crowd and prolonged waiting times.

This event offers a sobering snapshot of the current state of Indonesia’s labor market. It is not merely the overwhelming number of applicants that is cause for concern, but also the alarming reality that Indonesia now holds the highest unemployment rate in Southeast Asia—5.2%—as reported by the IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2024. This surpasses that of the Philippines (5.1%), Malaysia (3.5%), and is significantly higher than Thailand (1.1%).

These figures are not just statistics—they represent lives in limbo, aspirations at stake, and dreams anchored on a single sheet of paper: a résumé. The imagery of tens of thousands striving for limited opportunities must serve as a collective wake-up call, especially for those of us who are already employed or hold decision-making power within the employment ecosystem.

For the business sector, have we truly opened our doors wide enough to accommodate and nurture young talent?

For policymakers, are our educational and vocational systems adequately aligned with the evolving demands of the industry?

For workers like us, have we shown enough gratitude—and more importantly, solidarity—by contributing to pathways that empower those still seeking employment?

Job fairs such as this should function as meaningful bridges, not mere ceremonial exercises. It is our hope that from among this ocean of eager and determined faces, long-term and dignified solutions will emerge to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for Indonesia’s labor force.