Working Population of Sarolangun Regency Dominated by Elementary School Graduates

The results of the August 2021 National Labor Force Survey (Sakernas) stated that the working population in Sarolangun Regency was 137,204 people. The majority or 34.6 percent of the working population of Sarolangun are elementary school graduates.

High school graduates became the most workers with a total of 29.9 percent followed by junior high school graduates (16.6 percent), Diploma/Bachelor (11.1%) and never/never been to school (7.7%).

When compared to districts/cities in Jambi Province, Sarolangun District has the highest percentage of working population graduating from elementary school compared to other districts/cities.

As we know that a person's level of education affects the quality or productivity of workers. The higher a person's education level, the better/higher the quality of the worker.

This should be the focus of attention of the local government to improve the quality of the workforce in Sarolangun district. Especially considering the increasingly fierce competition in the labor market in the future.

In addition, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (KEMENKO PMK) stated that Indonesia will soon enter the peak of the demographic bonus in 2030. At that time, the number of the productive age population will be more than the non-productive population.

The demographic bonus will have a positive impact if we have a good quality population of productive age.

This is indicated by the large number of working people who have a high level of education and good abilities.

On the other hand, if the quality of the productive age population is not good, such as having a low level of education and not being equipped with good skills, negative effects will be obtained such as high unemployment, high crime rates, etc.

One of the real efforts that can be made by the government is to promote the 12-year compulsory education program and increase its supervision.

In addition, other supporting policies are also needed to prepare working residents who have a high level of education so that they can have a positive effect on the progress of Sarolangun Regency. (Jambi data/)