Success in Reducing Unemployment in Bumi Benuanta

Under the leadership of Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang, North Kalimantan Province has successfully lowered its unemployment rate. In recognition of this achievement, the Ministry of Home Affairs presented an award for the Best Province in the category of Unemployment Rate Reduction during the 2026 Regional Kalimantan Outstanding Local Government Appreciation event. The award was received directly by Governor Zainal in Balikpapan on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. In addition to the trophy, the North Kalimantan Provincial Government received a fiscal incentive of Rp 3 billion from the Ministry.

Governor Zainal stated that this award serves as motivation to continue providing the best for the community, particularly in expanding access to employment and improving welfare. He noted that the decline in unemployment has also contributed to a reduction in poverty rates. Efforts include various training programmes conducted by mayors and regents, funded through both regional budgets (APBD) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Through CSR, several coal companies have supported training for local youths to facilitate their re-employment in various companies.

The Governor emphasised that this achievement was driven by investment realisation in North Kalimantan, which reached Rp 11.065 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. This influx of investment led to the creation of new jobs for 1,774 local workers, with the largest absorption occurring in Bulungan Regency. “With the increasing number of investors arriving due to the business opportunities we offer, many more jobs will be opened,” said Governor Zainal, adding that the Tanah Kuning Special Economic Zone now employs 14,000 workers.

The North Kalimantan Provincial Government is also preparing to open investment opportunities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, focusing on organic production. A notable example is Adan Rice from the Krayan highlands in Nunukan Regency, which is renowned for its high quality as an organic product grown without chemicals. Other organic products include mountain salt.

To further suppress unemployment, Governor Zainal plans to increase the role and number of Vocational Training Centres (BLK) by collaborating with various stakeholders. The goal is to ensure workers receive certifications that serve as a basis for employment in companies requiring specific skills. The Governor aims to ensure every regency and city has at least one, if not up to three, BLK facilities, noting that land and budgets have already been prepared by the government. He remains committed to further reducing stunting and extreme poverty through continued collaboration.