Melynda Dwi Puspita, Jakarta – Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), disclosed that the number of unemployed individuals in Indonesia has risen to 7.28 million as of February 2025.
Meanwhile, the total labor force grew by 3.67 million, reaching 153.05 million people.
She explained that not all members of the labor force have found employment, contributing to the rise in unemployment, which now stands at 7.28 million.
"Compared to February 2024, the number of unemployed individuals has risen by about 83,000 people, or a 1.11 percent increase," Amalia explained during a press conference at the BPS office in Jakarta on Monday, May 5, 2025.
She clarified that the labor market encompasses the entire labor force, including both employed individuals and those actively seeking employment.
"The labor market is the same as the labor force," she stated.
Of the total labor force of 153.05 million, 145.77 million are currently employed, an increase of 3.59 million compared to February 2024.
"Some individuals who were previously outside the labor force, such as those focused on household duties or recent graduates, are now entering the job market," Amalia explained.
Despite the rise in the number of unemployed individuals, the open unemployment rate has actually decreased. As of February 2025, the open unemployment rate stood at 4.76 percent, lower than the 4.82 percent recorded in February 2024.
Breaking it down by gender, the female open unemployment rate decreased by 0.19 percent, falling to 4.41 percent from 4.6 percent. In contrast, the male open unemployment rate saw a slight increase of 0.02 percent, rising to 4.98 percent from 4.96 percent.
Regionally, the urban open unemployment rate declined from 5.89 percent to 5.73 percent, while the rural open unemployment rate also dropped, from 3.37 percent to 3.33 percent.
"The consistent decrease in the open unemployment rate also occurred in both urban and rural areas," said Amalia.
– Annisa Febiola contributed to the writing of this article.