BPS Reports Increase in Workforce Absorption in May 2026

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has released its latest employment figures. The number of employed people in May 2026 was recorded at 148.19 million, an increase of approximately 522,000 compared to February 2026.

The business sectors absorbing the most workers during the period were Accommodation and Food Services (around 195,000 people), Transportation and Warehousing (121,000 people), and Other Services (110,000 people).

“This is in line with the strong growth of these three business sectors in the second quarter of 2026,” said BPS Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (5/8/2026).

In the second-quarter 2026 economic growth release issued by BPS at the same time, these three business sectors grew strongly above the national growth rate, at 10.60%, 5.65%, and 6.36% respectively. Meanwhile, the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) in May 2026 was recorded at 4.65%.

“Of the total labour force of 155.41 million people, 7.22 million remain unemployed. However, the absolute number of unemployed fell by 24,000 people during the February–May 2026 period,” Amalia concluded.