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LAMPUNG – Lampung Deputy Governor Jihan Nurlela has called on the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) of Lampung to play an active role in reducing unemployment by improving workforce competencies and expanding internship opportunities for students.

Jihan made the remarks during the Consolidation and Reaffirmation of Commitment of the Lampung Provincial Board (DPP) of APINDO for the 2026–2031 term, held at Navara City Park in Bandar Lampung on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

According to Jihan, educational institutions and industry need to establish closer cooperation to ensure that school graduates acquire skills aligned with companies’ workforce requirements. This would, in turn, improve their opportunities to enter the labor market.

“Industry players are in the best position to understand the skills required by businesses. Therefore, I encourage APINDO to contribute ideas and recommendations in developing teaching materials together with schools and vocational training centers, including by opening up opportunities for internships and workplace training at companies,” she said.

She noted that business involvement in developing learning materials and providing practical work experience could help narrow the gap between graduates’ competencies and industry requirements.

In addition to improving workforce quality, Jihan encouraged APINDO to serve as a platform for mentoring micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to expand their markets and develop their businesses sustainably.

She said various government programs, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives initiative, were creating economic opportunities that local businesses could tap into.

However, these opportunities need to be matched by production readiness, product quality, and the capacity of MSMEs to meet market demand.

“Demand has already been created, but local supply is sometimes not yet ready. I want APINDO to become a home for MSMEs, providing them with the stimulus to grow, understand how to sustain their businesses, and move up to the next level,” Jihan said.

Jihan noted that Lampung had a solid economic foundation for strengthening its business sector. In the second quarter of 2026, Lampung recorded annual economic growth of 5.29 percent, the second-highest rate in Sumatra.

Nevertheless, she emphasized that development achievements should not be measured solely by economic growth. Improving public welfare, reducing poverty, and creating employment opportunities must also remain key priorities.

“It is not just about achieving macroeconomic figures together, but about ensuring that the benefits of development are tangibly felt by the community and MSMEs,” she said.

On the occasion, Jihan also expressed her appreciation for APINDO's contribution as a government partner in promoting economic growth and developing Lampung's business ecosystem.

“I welcome the consolidation and reaffirmation of commitment by the Lampung Provincial Board of APINDO for the 2026–2031 term. A solid leadership team, aligned vision, and well-directed work programs are essential to ensuring that APINDO delivers meaningful benefits to the government, business community, MSMEs, and the public,” Jihan said.

Beyond workforce and MSME development, Jihan urged industry players to pay attention to environmental sustainability in conducting their business activities.

She stressed that industrial growth must go hand in hand with environmental protection to ensure that economic activities can continue sustainably.

“I hope APINDO will become a home for business owners who not only pursue industrial growth but also uphold ethical responsibility toward nature and maintain environmental balance. This is not only about industrial sustainability, but also about the sustainability of human civilization and the future of our children,” she said.

Jihan also highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for women to participate in the business sector. According to her, women entrepreneurs need access, support, and networks to help them grow their businesses.

“I hope APINDO will become a supportive home for women entrepreneurs, where they can connect, grow together, and contribute to regional development. The ecosystem for women entrepreneurs needs to be strengthened so that they have equal access and opportunities to grow,” she said.

She expressed hope that the 2026–2031 APINDO Lampung leadership would deliver more than organizational agreements, translating its commitments into work programs that provide tangible benefits to businesses and the wider community.

“We hope to see the results through concrete programs and joint initiatives. The Lampung Provincial Government stands ready to work in synergy with APINDO to strengthen business solidarity, address various challenges, and grow together for the advancement of Lampung Province,” she concluded.

Sumber: rmollampung.id