Updated
Updated · ANTARA English · Aug 5
Indonesia Adds 522,000 Jobs in Feb-May 2026 as Manufacturing and F&B Drive Hiring
Updated
Updated · ANTARA English · Aug 5

Indonesia Adds 522,000 Jobs in Feb-May 2026 as Manufacturing and F&B Drive Hiring

1 articles · Updated · ANTARA English · Aug 5

Summary

  • BPS data showed Indonesia’s employment rose by 522,000 people between February and May 2026, outpacing labor-force growth of 497,000 to 155.41 million.
  • Investment drove much of the hiring, with officials saying 30% of investment flowed to downstreaming while Java attracted more manufacturing capital.
  • Food and beverage businesses also boosted job creation, posting about 10% growth as domestic consumption and tourism activity strengthened.
  • By May, Indonesia’s working-age population reached 220.23 million; full-time employment climbed by 391,000 to 98.98 million, while part-time and underemployed workers also increased.

Insights

Despite 522,000 new jobs, why are so many Indonesian workers still trapped in part-time or underemployed roles?
With billions pouring into downstreaming outside Java, can regional infrastructure actually sustain this ambitious industrial boom?