<![CDATA[Introduction: Employment absorption is an important indicator of regional economic development because it reflects the capacity of the labor market's capacity to create employment opportunities. This study examines the effects of human capital, minimum wage, and gender inequality on employment absorption from an Islamic economic perspective across 15 regencies and municipalities in Lampung Province during 2019–2025.Methods: This study used a quantitative research approach and balanced panel data collected from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and other relevant official institutions for 15 regencies and municipalities in Lampung Province over 2019–2025. The data were analyzed using panel data regression with EViews 14. To determine the most suitable estimation model, we used the Chow Test, Hausman Test, and Lagrange Multiplier Test. The results of the model selection indicated that the Random Effect Model (REM) was the most appropriate model for the analysis. Subsequently, we conducted hypothesis testing using the partial significance test (t-test) and the simultaneous significance test (F-test) to assess the effects of human capital, minimum wage, and gender inequality on employment absorption.Results: The results indicate that human capital has a positive effect on employment absorption, although the effect is not statistically significant. Conversely, the minimum wage has a negative and statistically significant effect, suggesting that increases in the minimum wage tend to be associated with lower employment absorption. Gender inequality likewise shows a negative effect on employment absorption, but the relationship is not statistically significant. Taken together, human capital, minimum wage, and gender inequality significantly affect employment absorption. This finding indicates that the combined influence of these three factors plays an important role in explaining variations in employment absorption across regencies and municipalities in Lampung Province.Conclusion: The study concludes that enhancing employment absorption requires an integrated policy framework focused on strengthening human capital, establishing fair and productivity-oriented wage policies, and addressing gender inequality within the labor market. From an Islamic economic perspective, the implementation of these policies supports the achievement of maqāṣid al-sharīʿah by promoting social justice, ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable societal welfare. Keywords: Human Capital; Minimum Wage; Gender Inequality; Employment Absorption; Islamic Economics.]]>
