Mayor urges firms to hire more locals as thousands vie for limited job opportunities
The 2025 Batam Job Fair opens this week with over 1,100 job openings and more than 5,200 applicants already registered. Mayor Amsakar Achmad calls on companies to prioritize local hires to reduce unemployment and promote social equity.
Local Priority in Hiring
Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad officially launched a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) on August 1, 2025, with HR representatives from 38 companies participating in the upcoming Batam Job Fair 2025, scheduled for August 5–7. Key employers such as PT Epson, PT Philips, PT Smoe Indonesia, and PT Tumas Karya Indoswasta are offering 1,141 job vacancies, while 5,243 job seekers have already registered. The fair is expected to be a major platform for reducing unemployment in the region.
Mayor Amsakar emphasized that hiring must go beyond economic indicators. He urged companies to recruit at least 10–12% local workers, especially for entry-level roles. “This is not just policy—it’s a social responsibility,” he stated, urging Human Resource departments and labor agencies (PJTKI) to implement fair hiring practices that uplift local communities.
Investment Versus Job Creation
Despite strong investment inflows, Mayor Amsakar pointed out that job creation has not kept pace. He highlighted a growing concern: that foreign or large-scale investments often fail to significantly boost employment for Batam residents. “Let’s ensure Batam’s growth benefits its people—not just on paper,” he added. This sentiment underscores his administration’s broader strategy to align economic progress with inclusive labor development.
He also called attention to the role of companies in supporting unskilled labor development and contributing to social progress. “Batam must grow not only economically, but socially,” he stressed. The city’s labor strategy now encompasses not only recruitment, but also empowerment programs for SMEs, cooperatives, and vocational training.
Ensuring Order and Equity
To improve the applicant experience, Amsakar demanded better organization of the job fair. Last year’s event drew criticism due to chaotic crowd control. This year, the city government has implemented a more robust queuing system and digital coordination to prevent overcrowding and discomfort among participants.
His message was clear: “We want a fair that’s not only successful in numbers but also in dignity.” Batam’s job fair is being framed not merely as a recruitment event, but as a model of governance, collaboration, and accountability in local workforce management.
Community-Driven Economic Vision
Amsakar’s remarks reflect a shift in Batam’s governance—away from infrastructure-led development alone and toward human-centric progress. With over 5,000 hopefuls applying for 1,141 roles, the pressure is high for meaningful and fair placements. City leaders believe local empowerment is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for long-term stability and prosperity.
Also present at the forum were Batam DPRD Chairman Muhammad Kamaluddin, Economic Affairs Assistant Firmansyah, and other key department heads, underscoring institutional support for the mayor’s local-first hiring push.
The 2025 Batam Job Fair is more than an employment event—it’s a litmus test for how well economic growth translates into community well-being. By demanding real opportunities for locals, Batam sets an example of inclusive development that resonates across Indonesia and beyond, including regional neighbors like Singapore who share economic ties with the city.
Sources: Batam News Online (2025) , Warta Kepri (2025)
Keywords: Batam Job Fair, Local Workforce, Amsakar Achmad, Employment Opportunities, Labor Market, Company Recruitment
