TRENGGALEK – The unemployment rate in Trenggalek remains a major concern as more than 18,000 residents were still without jobs in August 2025, according to data released by the local Statistics Agency (BPS).
The report showed that 18,153 people remained unemployed out of a total workforce of 470,751 residents in the East Java regency.
The Trenggalek Industry and Manpower Agency said unemployment in the region does not only stem from limited job opportunities. Officials also pointed to workforce readiness, public mindset, and low job retention among applicants.
Christina Ambarwati Sumarno, head of the agency, said several companies have already opened recruitment programs through job fairs and cigarette factory hiring schemes.
However, she noted that many applicants failed to continue the recruitment process even after receiving interview or work invitations.
“The public response looks strong at first, but many applicants do not come after being called,” Christina said.
She cited a cigarette rolling training program designed for around 200 to 300 people from low-income families. Although the program provided direct employment opportunities, only a limited number of participants eventually stayed in the jobs.
According to Christina, some residents considered the starting salaries too low compared with their expectations.
She explained that wages in the cigarette industry often depend on worker productivity and skill levels. Employees who improve their speed and efficiency can gradually earn higher incomes.
“If workers become more skilled, their income can reach the regional minimum wage or even higher,” she said.
The regional minimum wage in Trenggalek stood at around Rp 2.5 million as of December 2025.
Christina also stressed the importance of improving public resilience and work discipline. She said some job seekers still struggle to adapt to workplace demands and quickly give up during the adjustment period.
Besides workforce challenges, Trenggalek also faces structural limitations in attracting young job seekers.
Officials said limited industrial investment, education access, and the absence of large-scale industries continue to affect employment growth in the regency.
Despite those challenges, the local manpower agency said it will continue efforts to reduce open unemployment through vocational training programs, support for small industries, and overseas employment opportunities.
Authorities hope those programs can strengthen workforce competitiveness and create more sustainable employment options for local residents.