City reallocates ceremonial and travel funds to upskill local workforce through practical job training
Batam’s Manpower Office is offering free job training on April 24–25, 2025, using funds saved from reduced ceremonial and travel budgets to support skill development for local residents.
As Batam’s economy diversifies, the need for skilled labor has grown. The city government is using efficiency savings from ceremonial events and official travel to fund practical training — a move seen as a shift toward people-first budgeting during a period of high unemployment.
Instead of spending on ceremonies and travel, the city has redirected funds to train its people. Manpower Chief Rudi Sakyakirti confirmed that the training was entirely funded by leftover APBD allocations from internal budget cuts.
Participants can choose from:
1. Forklift Operation (20 seats)
2. Welding Inspector – Basic (15 seats)
3. Bridal Makeup Artistry (90 seats)
These courses aim to prepare participants for both industrial and service-sector opportunities.
Applicants must have a Batam ID (KTP), a jobseeker card (AK-1), a high school diploma, two 3×4 red-background photos, and a health certificate for select courses. Eligible age: 17–45 years.
Registration is conducted in person at the Batam Manpower Office in Sekupang from 09:30–16:00 WIB. Selection will be made via written tests and interviews, coordinated by local training institutes (LPKs).
The program is designed to help participants either find formal employment or launch small businesses. Rudi emphasized that this initiative supports economic self-reliance and social mobility for lower-income Batam residents.
This marks a new approach in city governance — using public funds for skill-building instead of ceremonies. For investors and training providers, it shows Batam’s intent to grow a capable, ready-to-work talent pool, which could elevate its attractiveness as an investment destination.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025), Antara News (2025)
Keywords: Batam, Job Training, Free Training, Manpower Office, Skills Development, Local Workforce, Economic Empowerment
