<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the effect of sectoral investment on economic growth and labor absorption in Kutai Kartanegara Regency using a mediation framework. The study employs an explanatory quantitative approach using time-series data for 2016–2025 and applies path analysis to examine direct and indirect relationships among the variables. Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) data were obtained from Badan Pusat Statistik (Statistics Indonesia) based on the February 27, 2026 release of the 2010 Series publication, Gross Regional Domestic Product at Constant Prices by Industrial Origin (Billion Rupiah), in which the 2023 data are preliminary and the 2024–2025 data are very preliminary. The results show that primary sector investment has a positive and significant effect on economic growth (β = 0.714; p = 0.013). Primary sector investment (β = 0.455; p = 0.033) and tertiary sector investment (β = 0.507; p = 0.040) also have positive and significant effects on labor absorption, whereas secondary sector investment has no significant effect. Economic growth does not significantly affect labor absorption (β = -0.610; p = 0.212) and does not mediate the relationship between sectoral investment and labor absorption based on the Sobel test (p = 0.185). These findings indicate jobless growth, where rising regional output is not fully accompanied by proportional employment opportunities. Therefore, regional investment policies should prioritize more labor-intensive sectors to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This study contributes to the literature on jobless growth in resource-based regions]]>
