TULUNGAGUNG – Thousands of job seekers flocked to the Tulungagung Job Fair 2026 on Wednesday as local authorities launched the largest employment expo ever held in the regency, offering 3,754 job vacancies across multiple industries.
Acting Tulungagung Regent Ahmad Baharudin officially opened the event at Pendapa Kongas Arum Kusumaning Bangsa, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities and reducing unemployment in the region.
The job fair brought together 43 companies and three local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This year’s event offers 3,754 vacancies, a significant increase from previous years. Earlier editions typically provided around 1,750 job openings.
Speaking alongside Acting Regional Secretary Tri Hariadi, Baharudin said the Tulungagung Job Fair plays an important role in tackling unemployment. According to local government data, the regency’s open unemployment rate stands at 4.02%, higher than the East Java provincial average of 3.5%.
“Reducing unemployment remains a shared challenge for all of us. We hope Tulungagung’s unemployment rate will continue to decline and at least match, or even fall below, the provincial average,” Baharudin said.
He also highlighted the strong potential of Tulungagung’s workforce. With a population of around 1.2 million people, the regency has a large labor pool capable of supporting business growth and meeting workforce demands across various sectors.
Baharudin called on businesses to strengthen cooperation with the local government in creating more employment opportunities. He said companies and job seekers depend on one another to support economic growth and community welfare.
“Companies need workers to improve productivity, while communities need jobs to enhance their welfare. This synergy must continue to grow stronger,” he said.
Beyond job creation, the local administration urged employers to prioritize worker welfare. Baharudin stressed that occupational health and safety protections should remain a key responsibility for every company operating in the region.
He also encouraged employers to provide comprehensive health and employment insurance coverage. According to him, stronger protection can improve workers’ quality of life while supporting productivity and business performance.
During the event, the Tulungagung administration and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan distributed compensation benefits to several families of workers affected by workplace risks. Officials said the assistance highlighted the importance of labor protection programs for workers and their dependents.
The Tulungagung Job Fair 2026 also featured three local MSMEs. Their participation helped promote regional products and expand market access for small businesses. Local authorities view MSMEs as an important driver of inclusive economic growth.
The government hopes the annual job fair will continue to grow in the coming years. Officials expect more companies to participate and provide additional vacancies. They also hope residents will gain easier access to employment information and better career opportunities.
As thousands of applicants competed for available positions, the event underscored the strong demand for jobs while reflecting Tulungagung’s commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive labor market.