Surabaya DPRD calls for job training aligned with investment sectors

Surabaya (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the Surabaya City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Arif Fathoni is pushing for job training programmes to be adjusted in line with the growing investment sectors in Surabaya, in order to increase local workforce absorption. "Today we are seeing a new phenomenon. Previously, recess periods were always dominated by proposals for housing infrastructure and education, but now many council members are receiving complaints about the need for employment opportunities," Fathoni said on Tuesday. He assessed that this dynamic reflects a shift in public needs accompanying economic development and incoming investment to the city. According to him, job creation must become a regional development priority, as it requires cross-agency collaboration to produce targeted policies. Fathoni pointed out that sectoral egos still exist, meaning workforce training is not yet fully aligned with industry demands. "We must not end up in a situation where investment comes into the café, restaurant, or hospitality sectors, but the training provided does not match the needs of the job market," he stated. Consequently, he said, residents should have the appropriate skills before the investments become operational. "What the government must do is not wait for vacancies, but prepare the community’s skills according to the needs of the investment," he added.