<![CDATA[This study aims to examine and analyze the determinants of the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) and confirm the existence of the jobless growth and skills mismatch phenomenon in 10 districts/cities of West Nusa Tenggara Province for the period 2015–2025. The approach used is an associative explanatory quantitative approach with balanced panel data from 10 districts/cities for 11 years (110 observations). The best estimation model selected through specification testing is the Random Effect Model (REM). The results of the analysis indicate that economic growth (GRDP) has a negative and significant effect on the TPT, confirming the indication of jobless growth due to the dominance of capital-intensive sectors. Average Years of Schooling (RLS) has a positive and significant effect on the TPT, indicating the existence of skills mismatch and the phenomenon of educated unemployment. The Labor Force Participation Rate (TPAK) has a negative and significant effect on the TPT due to the high absorption of labor in the flexible rural informal sector. Meanwhile, the Regency/City Minimum Wage (UMK) has a negative but insignificant effect on the TPT because the business structure is dominated by MSMEs with a flexible wage system. These findings underscore the importance of local MSME supply chain partnerships with capital-intensive companies , vocational education reforms to better match job needs , and expanding social protection nets for informal workers . These policy implications can boost economic growth and create jobs.]]>
