Bali's Labour Force Participation Rate Declines, Here Are the Reasons

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in Bali recorded a decline in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in February 2026 compared to the same period the previous year. Bali’s LFPR stood at 74.63%, down from 77.40% in February 2025. The decline affected both men and women. For the male group, the LFPR dropped from 83.45% to 80%. Meanwhile, the female LFPR fell from 71.39% to 69.30%. On the other hand, Bali’s Open Unemployment Rate (OUR) in February 2026 rose slightly compared to February 2025. The OUR increased from 1.58% to 1.59%. Although the percentage rose, the number of unemployed people actually decreased. From 43,130 people in February 2025 to around 42,320 people in February 2026. “The number decreased from 43,130 to 42,320. Indeed, percentage-wise, it experienced an increase from 1.58 to 1.59,” said the Head of BPS Bali Province, Agus Gede Hendrayana Hermawan, on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Based on gender, the male OUR increased from 1.74% to 1.95%. Meanwhile, the female OUR declined from 1.39% to 1.18%. BPS states that the decline in labour force participation is not solely due to layoffs (PHK). The majority of the population not working chose to continue their education or manage household affairs. “The reasons are mostly why they are no longer working: because they are going to school, because they are taking care of the household. So only a small portion is due to what, experiencing layoffs,” he explained.