News - West Java Strengthens Human Resources and Local Small-Scale Industries Amidst Industrial Transformation

West Java Strengthens Human Resources and Local Small-Scale Industries Amidst Industrial Transformation

Aug, 14 2026

INILAHKORAN.ID – The West Java Provincial Government is not only focused on attracting industrial investment, but also on ensuring that growth in the manufacturing sector creates a quality workforce while strengthening local business actors.

Industrial technological transformation presents a new challenge for West Java. The demand for labor remains high, but the rise of automation requires companies to employ human resources with increasingly specific technical competencies.

Head of the West Java Department of Industry and Trade (Disperindag), Nining Yuliastiani, stated that technological transformation makes workforce competency a key factor in maintaining industrial competitiveness.

According to Nining, the use of semi-automated machinery is not meant to entirely replace human labor, but rather to enhance precision and production quality.

"However, to deliver better product precision and quality, semi-automated machinery is being introduced," Nining said on Thursday (Aug 13, 2026).

West Java Industry Needs Competent Labor
Nining explained that technological shifts require industrial workers to possess the ability to operate machinery and production technology. Basic skills alone are no longer considered sufficient to meet the needs of modern industry.

"On the other hand, industry requires a competent workforce because basic skills are no longer enough. For example, even in a sewing operator position, workers are still required to master the machine technology they will operate," she said.

Because of this, the West Java Provincial Government has begun strengthening its workforce preparation strategy based on industry demand. Workforce mapping is conducted as soon as investments enter, ensuring that the training provided is more targeted.

Upskilling and reskilling programs form part of the strategy to bridge the gap between workforce competencies and company requirements. These programs are designed not only for prospective new workers, but also for existing industrial employees to provide opportunities for career advancement, from operators to supervisors.

Hundreds of Vocational School-Industry Partnerships
The West Java Provincial Government is partnering with various institutions to strengthen workforce competence, including the Industrial Training Center, BPSDMI of the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Manpower.

Several ongoing programs include Sewing Supervisor Training, Industrial Workforce Placement Training, and Operator Certification in Majalengka Regency, as well as Workforce Placement Training in Ciamis Regency.

Collaboration with the private sector continues to expand as well. One example is the partnership with the Cinta Anak Bangsa Foundation (YCAB) to enhance workforce skills for absorption into the textile products industry in Ciamis Regency.

In the education sector, the West Java Provincial Government is strengthening links between vocational high schools (SMK) and the industrial world through the link and match program. This program includes curriculum adjustment, competency mapping, Industry Teaches initiatives, teacher internships in companies, and improving the quality of practical field work.

As of 2026, 740 partnerships between vocational high schools and the business/industrial sector have been established in West Java.

The West Java Provincial Government is also developing the Nyari Gawe platform to connect job seekers with companies. The platform is simultaneously designed to serve as a talent pool development base, matching industrial needs with worker competencies.

West Java Encourages SMI Inclusion in Industrial Supply Chains
Beyond labor issues, the West Java Provincial Government is working to ensure that incoming investment yields broader impacts for local industries, particularly by strengthening domestic supply chains. To date, several industrial sectors remain dependent on imported raw materials and components, leaving them vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations, global logistics disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty.

The West Java Provincial Government is encouraging the use of local raw materials, industrial downstreaming, partnerships between large enterprises and small and medium-sized industries (SMIs), as well as the optimization of domestic products.

Nining stated that reinforcing local supply chains is crucial so that West Java does not merely serve as an end-assembly location, but actively involves local business players.

"Supply chains for spare parts and vehicle assembly currently rely heavily on imports. This condition indicates that supply chains at the local level are not yet optimally formed. The West Java Provincial Government is developing a system that ensures long-term sustainability," she said.

Currently, West Java boasts 13,796 SMIs with the potential to enter large industrial ecosystems as suppliers of components, raw materials, and supporting services. The government is encouraging SMIs to improve product quality, standardization, certification, production capacity, and digital capability to meet the standards of large-scale industry.

Electric Vehicle Industry in Focus
Partnership reinforcement is also directed toward the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Disperindag West Java, together with the Ministry of Investment/BKPM and the Ministry of Industry, is preparing a partnership program to connect the EV industry with prospective local suppliers.

Currently, the verification and curation process for prospective suppliers is underway. Business matching agendas are targeted to take place from late August through September 2026 in Bekasi and Karawang regencies.

Through this strategy, industrialization in West Java is oriented not merely toward pursuing incoming investment, but toward building a robust industrial ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses a competent workforce, adaptive vocational education, technological mastery, and the active involvement of local SMIs in large industrial production chains.***

[Source]

Boost Investment in the Tambourine Region, APINDO West Java will Engage Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly

Warta Ekonomi, Jakarta - Apindo Jabar welcomed the Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly's visit to the Rebana Region. This meeting is an important first step in strengthening international relations and promoting the economic potential of the Rebana region. The Chairperson of Apindo West Java, Ning Wahyu, was present as a guest speaker at the Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly (the regional legislative body responsible for the government of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan) visit to the Tambourine Region. The event, which was organized by the Rebana Area Management Agency at Horison Ultima Kertajati Hotel, was also attended by local governments from seven regencies / cities in the Rebana region as well as leaders of strategic projects in the Rebana Region such as the Director of PT Patimban International Port, Director of PT BIJB Aerocity Development, Daily Chairman of Kuningan Tourism Development Board, Director of Bandung Manufacturing Polytechnic, and other invited guests. “This meeting is expected to increase investment and make Rebana one of Indonesia's future economic growth centers,” Ning said in Bandung, Thursday (1/7/2024). Ning assessed that the Rebana region has various advantages, including adequate infrastructure such as international quality ports and airports. In addition, West Java has the largest labor force in Indonesia, at 25.8 million or 17.3% of the national total, which is a huge potential. The support of the central government through Presidential Regulation No. 87 of 2021 concerning the Acceleration of the Development of the Tambourine Region and various National Strategic Projects in the region also provides additional advantages. “In fact, the relatively low MSE value makes Rebana a competitive area for investment,” he said. Meanwhile, in terms of Human Resources, Ning invited collaboration through benchmarking, international internships, building more comprehensive training, and developing social design to transform the mindset from agriculture to industry. “It is important to build a community that has hospitality, given the great potential for developing areas around industrial estates into tourism areas, such as those in Kuningan Regency,” she explained. Ning expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly, with the various potentials that exist in the Rebana Region through the implementation of Apindo Jabar's strategic programs, namely “From Jabar for Jabar”, “From Jabar for Indonesia”, and “From Jabar for the World”. “These programs aim to maximize the potential that exists in West Java, both the potential of natural resources, human resources, and the potential of MSMEs, so that they can take an important role in increasing investment in Rebana,” he explained. Meanwhile, the Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly welcomed the invitation for collaboration from Apindo Jabar regarding human resources, such as in meeting the needs of workers in the forestry and fisheries sectors in Japan, where they are currently experiencing a shortage of workers. Ning also invited stakeholders to increase collaboration in facing challenges in Rebana, especially in HR development. “Closer collaboration is needed between universities, governments at the central, provincial, and seven regencies/cities in the Rebana region, as well as vocational institutions, media, and the community. We will also help oversee government policies to support human resource development,” he concluded. SOURCE

Aug, 01 2024

The High Investment Inflow in Karawang Has Little Impact on Labor Absorption

Karawang (ANTARA) – The Karawang Regency Manpower and Transmigration Office in West Java acknowledged that the high level of investment entering Karawang does not necessarily increase labor absorption because most investments are capital-intensive. “The investments entering Karawang are mostly capital-intensive, so they don’t significantly affect labor absorption,” said Rosmalia Dewi, Head of the Karawang Manpower and Transmigration Office, on Sunday in Karawang. Capital-intensive investments mean companies rely heavily on machines and technology, requiring fewer human workers. This contrasts with about ten years ago when many labor-intensive investments focused on employing large numbers of workers entered Karawang. “Because most of the incoming investments are capital-intensive, the labor absorption is not very large,” she added. However, the office continues efforts to improve human resources so local job candidates in Karawang can compete. This includes collaboration with schools and companies to conduct training programs to ensure graduates’ skills meet industry needs. According to data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), investment in Karawang reached Rp68 trillion in 2024, a significant increase from Rp42.1 trillion in 2023. Despite this large investment figure, it does not correspond to a proportional increase in employment. Data from the Karawang Manpower and Transmigration Office shows that in the first half of 2022, labor absorption amounted to only 4,524 people. In the third quarter of 2023, out of 1,934 investment projects, labor absorption was only 4,314. From January to June 2025, domestic and foreign investment in Karawang reached Rp30.24 trillion, but the labor absorption for the same period was only 12,209 people. [SOURCE]

Dec, 12 2025

PTBI West Java 2024, Strengthening Synergy Commitment to Strengthen Economic Stability and Transformation 2025

SUMEDANG BAGUS -- Bank Indonesia West Java continues to strive to maintain stability and encourage economic growth in Tatar Parahyangan. The economic prospects and direction of the policy mix for this were presented at the Bank Indonesia (PTBI) West Java Annual Meeting on Friday 29 November 2024. This activity was held with the theme "Synergy to Strengthen National Economic Stability and Transformation". This activity was also attended by various stakeholders including the Head of the West Java Economic Bureau, Forkopimda, Regents/Mayors throughout West Java, vertical agencies, banking, academics, associations, business actors and all Bank Indonesia work partners in West Java. The West Java Province PTBI was held in conjunction with the National PTBI which was attended by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the Governor of Bank Indonesia, Perry Warjiyo. Those who attended PTBI West Java also witnessed instructions from the Governor of Bank Indonesia Perry Warjiyo and the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto. Deputy Chief Representative of Bank Indonesia for West Java Province, Achris Sarwani, emphasized that the PTBI forum is an important platform for stakeholders to collaborate in formulating strategic steps to maintain economic stability and accelerate transformation towards a more competitive digital-based economy. It is hoped that this collaboration will become a strong foundation in facing increasingly complex economic challenges and taking advantage of existing opportunities. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Representative of Bank Indonesia, Muslimin Anwar, stated that the West Java economy at the end of 2024 is predicted to grow in the range of 4.6% - 5.4% (yoy), higher than global economic growth which is predicted at 3.2%. this year. Meanwhile, West Java inflation at the end of 2024 is estimated to be within the national inflation target range of 2.5% ± 1% (yoy), better than global inflation which is predicted to remain high at 5.3% (yoy). Approaching 2025, the global economy is faced with various complex challenges. Continuing geopolitical conflicts in a number of regions have caused trade tensions between countries. Apart from that, the surge in global food prices, increasingly striking economic divergence, and the strengthening trend of portexionism in various parts of the world, have also influenced global market instability. Furthermore, challenges to the economy are also influenced by domestic conditions. Some of the main issues faced include encouraging increased employment, accelerating downstream and industrialization processes to create greater added value, and developing creative industries which increasingly have great potential. Equitable development is also one of the challenges to ensure that economic growth can be felt evenly throughout the region, so that it can support connectivity and strengthen other strategic sectors. In order to face these various challenges, synergy and collaboration between stakeholders is needed. There are five strategic policy recommendations that can encourage recovery and acceleration of the West Java economy, one of which is maintaining inflation stability through the 4K framework (price affordability, supply availability, smooth distribution and effective communication). Meanwhile, the other four policies are maintaining economic growth through incentives, fiscal realization and regional investment to optimizing export performance and import substitution, encouraging new sources of growth through sharia economics and finance, developing the digital economic ecosystem, and strengthening the pentahelix synergy between government, society, academics, business actors and media in work programs for economic growth and inflation stability. Through these various policy recommendations, Bank Indonesia predicts that the West Java economy in 2025 will continue to record positive growth in the range of 4.7% - 5.5%. As a form of appreciation, the West Java Provincial Government together with Bank Indonesia West Java gave appreciation to districts/cities that have succeeded in controlling inflation and digitalization. In 2024, the Superior Inflation Control Program (PINUNJUL) award will be given to IHK City, namely Tasikmalaya City, Depok City and Bogor City, as well as non-IHK Districts/Cities, namely Banjar City, Kab. Pangandaran, Kab. Tasikmalaya, Kab. Kuningan and Kab. Majalengka. For the best regional Economic Digitalization category, the 2024 Digital Economy Champion Appreciation (AJEG) was given to Kab. Bekasi, Kab. Bogor, Kab. Karawang, Kab. Bandung, Bandung City and Bogor City. Meanwhile, the best regional innovation award was given to Tasikmalaya City. On the same occasion, appreciation was also given for the West Java Journalist Competition 2024 in the categories of writing, photo telling and video; as well as appreciation for the Best Rupiah Currency Management for the category of bank with the best cash distribution and services, the best Love, Proud, Understanding Rupiah education partner, as well as the best synergy and collaboration partner for administering counterfeit money. The series of events closed with remarks from the Acting Governor of West Java read by the Head of the Economic Bureau, Yuke Mauliani. In his speech, Yuke Mauliani expressed his appreciation to Bank Indonesia as the main partner who always synergizes through various innovations to continue to advance the West Java economy with increasingly controlled inflation. Furthermore, the West Java Provincial Government in 2025 will continue to strengthen synergy and collaboration with Bank Indonesia and all regional government stakeholders, the academic world, the business sector and the media. This is to increase economic resilience and encourage recovery and sustainable economic growth in West Java. (SOURCE)

Dec, 02 2024

West Java Tops National Layoff List; Regional Council Criticizes Investments for Failing to Absorb Local Workforce

Bandung – West Java recorded the highest number of layoffs (PHK) in Indonesia from January to June 2026. A total of 6,727 workers lost their jobs, accounting for approximately 20.8 percent of the national total of 32,389 layoffs. In other words, one out of every five laid-off workers in Indonesia came from West Java. The high layoff figures drew sharp criticism from Zaini Shofari, a member of Commission V of the West Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). According to him, the large amount of investment flowing into West Java should go hand in hand with increased labor absorption, particularly for local residents. "It should be directly proportional. If there is investment, it means labor absorption grows, meaning employment increases, right? But apparently, that is not the case," Zaini said on Thursday (Aug 6, 2026). He assessed that this issue highlights an suboptimal synergy between incoming investment and the readiness of the workforce in West Java. Therefore, the Manpower Office (Dinas Tenaga Kerja) needs to play a more active role in preparing human resources (HR) that align with industry needs. "That means one of the pillars lies with the Manpower Office to develop the local workforce, for example. The labor absorption must be prepared. There should be synergy between investment in West Java and how that workforce is absorbed," he said. Zaini cited the condition in the Subang industrial area as an example. According to him, many hired workers still come from outside West Java, even though the investment is located within the province. "Take Subang recently; many people from outside West Java were hired there. It should be linear so that there is synergy between investments in West Java, prepared beforehand by the central government and continuous coordination with the provincial government, allowing the needs of companies to be met by local West Java workers," he explained. He clarified that investment decisions have largely been determined by the central government. As a result, local governments often lack sufficient time to prepare a workforce that matches the requirements of operating companies. "What happens is that investment decisions are made at the central level, and suddenly hundreds of hectares are allocated for a company. While the company is ready to offer jobs, local communities visited by these projects cannot yet access or enter that sphere," he said. Zaini also urged companies investing in West Java to pay greater attention to hiring from surrounding areas. While it should not be absolute, he believes local residents still deserve priority. "Since the company is located in the area, naturally, that is how it should be," he added. When asked about the need for regulations requiring companies to employ West Java residents, Zaini noted that such a policy could be considered. However, he emphasized that regulations must still take the specific needs of companies into account. "There should be something like that, though it doesn't have to be absolute. However, the surrounding community must be considered after all, that is partly why companies have CSR: to empower and support local residents," he concluded. [Source]

Aug, 10 2026

President Jokowi Inaugurates a Number of Important Infrastructure in West Java: Improve Connectivity and Logistics Efficiency

President Joko Widodo accompanied by Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, inaugurated a number of important infrastructures in West Java Province. The inaugurated infrastructure includes the replacement of 16 Callender Hamilton (CH) Bridges, Ciloseh Bridge in Tasikmalaya City, as well as the implementation of Presidential Instruction (Inpres) for Regional Roads (IJD). “By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I inaugurate 16 bridges replacing Callender Hamilton, 22 roads built with Regional Road Presidential Instruction, and Ciloseh Bridge in West Java Province this morning,” the President said in his remarks during the inauguration which was centered at Citanduy Bridge, Banjar City. President Jokowi said that the replacement of 16 Callender Hamilton Bridges spread across 8 regencies and cities in West Java Province is the Government's effort to improve connectivity and strengthen infrastructure in the region. The bridges have a total length of 1,030 meters and cost an investment of Rp1.9 trillion. “Alhamdulillah, today we inaugurate 16 Callender Hamilton bridges in West Java Province spread across 8 regencies and cities with a total length of 1,030 meters and an investment cost of Rp1.9 trillion,” the President said. In addition, the President also inaugurated 22 roads spanning 121 kilometers under the Presidential Instruction for Regional Roads (IJD) program. The project covers 13 regencies and cities in West Java with a budget of Rp521 billion. On that occasion, the President also inaugurated Ciloseh Bridge in Tasikmalaya City which cost Rp112 billion. This bridge is part of the northern ring of Tasikmalaya City which is expected to improve connectivity and overcome congestion in the city. “This will improve connectivity and accessibility to the airport and Tasik City which also overcome congestion in the city of Tasikmalaya,” said the President. President Jokowi also emphasized that the development and improvement of infrastructure in various regions has a number of important objectives. The inauguration of various infrastructures is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy of West Java, especially in improving transportation efficiency and connectivity between regions. “The development and improvement of infrastructure in various regions has the aim of improving connectivity, streamlining logistics costs, and also facilitating the mobility of people and goods,” the President said. Also accompanying the President and Ibu Iriana in the inauguration were Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Pj. Mayor of Banjar Ida Wahida Hidayati, Pj. Mayor of Tasikmalaya Cheka Virgowansyah, Director General of Highways of Ministry of PUPR Rachman Arief Dienaputra, and Director of Road Development of Ministry of PUPR Wida Nurfaida. SOURCE

Aug, 30 2024

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