BI Survey: Job Availability Index Declines

Bank Indonesia’s (BI) latest survey indicates that optimism levels for job availability are beginning to decline. The Job Availability Index (IKLK) for March 2026 was recorded at 107.8, a drop from the previous month’s level of 110.7.

Although there was a decline, the figure remains in optimistic territory or above 100. Based on education levels, respondents with postgraduate education saw an increase in the index to 128.8, compared to 101.7 in February 2026. “Meanwhile, other education levels experienced a decline in the index,” states the consumer survey released by BI on Friday, 10 April 2026.

The IKLK for the undergraduate group was recorded at 113.5 in the previous month before falling to 110.8 in March 2026. A decline also occurred in the academy and diploma education group, from 113.9 to 111.7. Meanwhile, the IKLK for the high school group dropped from 107.9 to 104.8.

Confidence in job availability also declined across most age groups but remained in the optimistic zone above 100. However, the age group over 51 years was in the pessimistic zone at 98.3.

The job availability index had previously declined to pessimistic levels for five consecutive months from May to September 2025. The index began returning to optimistic levels starting in October 2025 with a continuously increasing trend. However, the IKLK began to fall in BI’s latest survey, or in March 2026.

Meanwhile, Bank Indonesia data shows that consumer expectations for job availability over the next six months have also declined. This is reflected in the Job Availability Expectations Index (IEKLK), which fell from 131.7 to 128.0.

Bank Indonesia’s survey also indicates that the Consumer Confidence Index in March 2026 dropped to 122.9 from the previous 125.2. This accompanies declines in the Current Economic Conditions Index and the Consumer Expectations Index, which stood at 115.4 and 130.4, respectively.