University Graduates Still Unemployed, Binawan University Strengthens Global Workforce Connections

The high unemployment rate among university graduates remains a challenge for Indonesia’s education sector. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded an open unemployment rate for higher education graduates (Diploma IV, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees) of 6.23 percent in February 2025. The government also noted that approximately 1.01 million university graduates have not yet been absorbed by the workforce. This situation underscores the importance of strengthening the link between higher education institutions and the needs of the business and industrial sectors through adaptive, competency-based education with international networks. Binawan University believes this challenge must be addressed by enhancing graduate quality, collaborating with industry, and opening career access to a global level. During its 25th Dies Natalis celebration, themed ‘Anchored in Akhlaq, Driven by Digital Innovation, Positioned for the World’, the university affirmed its commitment to building higher education that not only produces competent graduates but also those ready to compete in the international job market. Based on a tracer study, 93 percent of Binawan University graduates obtained employment within less than six months after graduation. This achievement is supported by more than 100 active collaborations with universities, hospitals, government institutions, professional organisations, and industry partners both domestically and abroad. These collaborations form the foundation for developing industry-based curricula, improving research quality, facilitating academic exchanges, and expanding career access for students and alumni. The international network is also reflected in the achievements of its alumni. To date, more than 2,000 Binawan University alumni have worked in various countries, primarily as professional nursing staff in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2026, the university will again send alumni to work in Austria and Australia as part of efforts to expand job opportunities for Indonesian professionals in the global market. In addition to strengthening graduate competitiveness, Binawan University is also enhancing its academic capacity. In 2026, the university achieved the Main Cluster designation for Research and Innovation Capacity and added seven doctoral degree lecturers to strengthen the quality of education and research. Chairman of the Binawan Foundation, Said Saleh Alwyni, said that over the past 25 years, Binawan University has strived to maintain a balance between character building, technological mastery, and readiness to meet workforce needs. ‘Twenty-five years is not merely a passage of time, but a journey of building trust and delivering benefits through education. We are grateful that Binawan University continues to develop while upholding akhlaq as its main foundation, whilst being able to adapt to technological developments and workforce needs. Going forward, we want more Binawan graduates to contribute, both in Indonesia and in various parts of the world,’ he said. Acting Rector of Binawan University, Prof. Henny Suzana Mediani, stated that the increase in graduate employment rates, strengthening of research capacity, and expanding international work access demonstrate the importance of collaboration between universities and various stakeholders. ‘The success in increasing the graduate employment rate to 93 percent, the increase in doctoral degree lecturers, the improvement of research capacity to the Main Cluster, and the expanding international career opportunities are indicators that Binawan University continues to move in the right direction. We will continue to strengthen the quality of education, produce relevant research, and build graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess character, global competence, and the ability to adapt to change,’ she said. Vice Rector for Governance, Resources, and Strategic Partnerships at Binawan University, Farouk Abdullah Alwyni, said the transformation undertaken in recent years is part of efforts to strengthen the connection between higher education and the workforce. According to him, since its inception, Binawan University has been directed to build an education ecosystem integrated with industry needs at both national and international levels, while remaining grounded in the values of akhlaq and digital innovation. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Binawan University Board of Trustees, Prof. Tri Hanggono Achmad, believes that universities have a greater responsibility than merely producing graduates. ‘Dies Natalis is not just a celebration of an institution’s increasing age. More than that, Dies Natalis is a momentum to evaluate the extent to which a university is able to produce quality graduates, generate innovation through research, build the character of the younger generation, and provide solutions for society. An excellent university is one that is able to deliver real impact for the development of the nation and civilisation,’ he said. Entering its 25th year, Binawan University stated it will continue to strengthen international collaboration, enhance research and innovation capacity, and expand global job opportunities as part of efforts to improve the competitiveness of Indonesia’s human resources.