Balance: Jurnal Ekonomi
Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

Analysis of Indonesian Employment Conditions 2020–2025: Challenges, Digital Transformation, and Labor Absorption Strategies

Citra Wulandari Manik (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Hilkia Natasya Br Ginting (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Mahlina Putri Manurung (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Nadya Nafisha (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Putri Andini Nasution (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Salsabila (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Dwi Nabila Putri (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Aulia Putri Ramadhani (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)
Noni Rozaini (Economics Study Program, Faculty of Economics, Medan State University)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of Indonesia’s employment conditions during the 2020–2025 period by analyzing post-pandemic labor market recovery, the impact of digital transformation, and strategies for improving labor absorption. A qualitative approach employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and descriptive analysis of secondary data was adopted. Data were collected from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, OECD reports, and recent peer-reviewed publications related to employment and digital transformation. The findings indicate that Indonesia experienced a substantial labor market recovery, as reflected by the decline in the Open Unemployment Rate from 7.07% in 2020 to 4.76% in early 2025, accompanied by an increase in total employment to 145.77 million workers. Nevertheless, structural challenges remain significant, particularly the dominance of informal employment (56.1%), persistent skills mismatches, and widening digital competency gaps. Digital transformation has generated new employment opportunities in technology-based industries, e-commerce, and digital services while simultaneously increasing the risk of job displacement through automation and artificial intelligence. The study identifies three strategic policy priorities for strengthening labor absorption: reforming vocational education and digital skills development, expanding inclusive digital infrastructure to support labor-intensive sectors and MSMEs, and establishing flexible yet protective labor market regulations. The study concludes that maximizing Indonesia’s demographic dividend requires stronger collaboration among government, industry, and educational institutions to enhance workforce adaptability, improve labor productivity, and ensure that digital transformation contributes to inclusive employment and sustainable economic growth rather than widening socioeconomic inequalities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jeb

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Balance: Jurnal Ekonomi has p-ISSN 1858-2192 and e-ISSN 2686-5467 published by the Development Economics Study Program of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Muhammadiyah University of Makassar, this journal publishes research articles in the field of Economics. This journal publishes research ...