Sulbar Tops Sulawesi in Unemployment Reduction After Outperforming Five Provinces

Amid a wave of job losses across several Indonesian regions, West Sulawesi Province (Sulbar) has achieved a significant milestone. The youngest province on Sulawesi island has secured the top ranking in the region for reducing unemployment.

The award was received by Sulbar Governor Suhardi Duka (SDK), who emphasised in his speech that the achievement was a collective effort, not an individual accomplishment.

“This award is not for me. It is a blessing for all of us, the people of West Sulawesi,” SDK stated on Saturday (30 May).

SDK explained that Sulbar’s success in lowering unemployment was not achieved through quick fixes but through sustained innovation involving the provincial government, six regencies, and the private sector.

“This is proof of collaboration. It is not a solo effort. The provincial government innovates, the regencies move forward, and businesses have opened job opportunities widely,” he stressed.

Despite achieving the top position in Sulawesi, SDK stated they would not rest on their laurels, using the award as a momentum to address the larger challenge of reducing poverty further.

Alongside focusing on unemployment, the Sulbar Provincial Government is currently developing strategies to strengthen worker protections to ensure economic stability for workers and prevent mass layoffs.

“We are protecting workers. They must be able to work well, sustainably, and not be left stranded mid-career,” he concluded.