Unemployed SMK Graduates Question Government's 19 Million Job Pledge

JAKARTA - A number of SMK graduates are questioning the government’s pledge to create 19 million jobs.

“Where is the promise of 19 million jobs? Even short people haven’t received justice in getting employment,” said Friska (18), an SMK graduate, during an interview in South Jakarta on Monday (25 May 2026).

The 148cm-tall woman said many SMK graduates remain unemployed like her.

Physical requirements are a major challenge that often cause her to fail in job applications.

She admitted repeatedly failing to get hired solely due to her height not meeting company standards.

She believes the barista position she applied for does not require tall stature.

Even shorter individuals can make good coffee if they have the skills and guidance.

“It’s quite difficult because there’s a lot of competition. Also, sometimes the requirements seem easy to us, but there are criteria that don’t match our situation,” she said when interviewed in North Jakarta on Monday.

Like Friska, physical requirements such as height are barriers to employment for Rina.

At 145cm tall, Rina’s applications at restaurants, minimarkets, and even offices are often ignored.

Additionally, the requirement for work experience further complicates her chances.

Internship experience during school is often deemed insufficient by companies.

Industries now prefer candidates with direct work experience over those with only internship experience.

She often loses out to SMP graduates who meet physical criteria and have work experience.

“I really want physical requirements and minimum experience to be removed,” she said.

“More jobs need to be created; otherwise, unemployment in Indonesia will keep rising. Getting a job is hard because many rely on ‘connections’”, she said during an interview in South Jakarta on Monday.