The mining sector makes a significant contribution to labor absorption in Indonesia. Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the actual number of workers in the mining sector in 2023 (cumulative data for the third quarter) is 308,107 Indonesian Workers (TKI) and 2,074 Foreign Workers (TKA).

"Increasing investment in the mining sector is the main factor driving an increase in labor in the mining sector in 2023," said Bambang Suswantono as Plt. Director General of Mineral and Coal in the 2023 Achievement Preskon and 2024 Work Program for the Mineral and Coal Subsector (Minerba) in Jakarta, Tuesday, (16/1).

The investment realization achievement in the mineral and coal subsector as of 31 December 2023 alone was USD7.46 billion or 96.8% of the 2023 target of USD7.7 billion. This increase in investment in the mining sector has encouraged increased production and sales of mining commodities, which require more labor.

Increased production and sales of mining commodities will also encourage an increase in employment in the mining sector in 2023. In 2023, realized coal production will reach 775.2 million tonnes, or 112% of the target set at 694.5 million tonnes. This increase in coal production has led to an increase in the need for labor in the coal mining sector.

Apart from that, increasing the use of technology will also encourage an increase in workforce capacity in the mining sector in 2023. In 2023, the use of technology in the mining sector will increase, especially for exploration, production and processing activities. The increased use of this technology also encourages increased efficiency and productivity, which also has an impact on increasing the capacity of the mining sector workforce.

The details of the number of TKI and TKA based on permit type are as follows:

• Minerals for 48,356 migrant workers and 921 foreign workers;
• Mining as many as 43,335 migrant workers and 122 foreign workers;
• IUJP is 216,416 migrant workers and 1,031 foreign workers.

Increasing workforce capacity in the mining sector in 2023 is good news for national development. By increasing the capacity of the mining sector workforce, the government can have more flexibility in supporting national development, including infrastructure development, social and economic programs, as well as sustainable energy development. (RD)

(SOURCE)