Graduate but Struggling to Find Work? Here's a Strategy to Prevent Fresh Graduates Becoming Unemployed

Many people assume that after graduation everything will proceed smoothly—submitting applications, attending interviews, and then securing employment. However, the reality is often different.

Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that unemployment in Indonesia remains substantial. In 2025, for example, the number of unemployed reached approximately 7.28 million people out of the total national workforce.

Notably, a portion of this figure comprises university graduates. The BPS recorded that the open unemployment rate for university graduates stands at around 5.25 per cent, whilst diploma holders have a rate of approximately 4.83 per cent. In numerical terms, approximately 1 million university graduates have yet to be absorbed into the workforce.

This data illustrates one crucial point: a Bachelor’s degree alone does not always guarantee immediate employment. Consequently, many prospective students are asking how they can avoid unemployment after graduation.

In an era of digital transformation such as the present, the job market moves extremely rapidly, particularly in the technology, fintech, digital business, and data-driven industry sectors. Companies no longer solely examine grade point averages; they also consider experience, portfolios, and the ability to adapt to change.