MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The City Government of Medan has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and competency-based labor market. Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, emphasized that physical limitations should never be an obstacle to professional success.
Rico Waas made the statement while inaugurating a job training and qualification program at the Balai Besar Pelatihan Vokasi dan Produktivitas (BBPVP) Medan on Jalan Amal in Sunggal on Monday, July 6, 2026. A total of 100 participants are enrolled in the program, distributed across several training fields, including persons with disabilities and women who serve as the primary breadwinners in their families.
Inclusive Workforce and Equal Opportunity
In his remarks, Rico Waas underlined that the city administration will continue to promote employment opportunities that provide equal access for all citizens. Every individual, he said, possesses unique skills and talents that can be developed through proper training and capacity-building programs.
"We want to create justice for everyone. We believe that every person has abilities and talents," said Rico Waas.
He added that such training programs form a crucial foundation for ensuring equal opportunities in the labor market. Physical limitations should not prevent anyone from achieving success, as every individual has strengths that can be developed through targeted support.
Labour Market Demands Higher Skills
According to the mayor, the labor market is becoming increasingly dynamic and requires higher competencies from workers. Companies are no longer only seeking individuals with basic knowledge, but also those who are proficient in digital technologies and possess strong communication skills.
As an example, he highlighted the field of public relations, where the use of creative applications such as CapCut and Canva has become a standard requirement. The barista profession, he added, is also evolving in line with modern consumer trends. Continuous upskilling, therefore, is essential to remain competitive in today's labor market.
Beyond technical skills, Rico Waas also stressed the importance of integrity. Honesty, responsibility, and professionalism must remain firmly upheld even after entering the workforce.
"I hope no one loses their integrity once they have a job. Use this training as a foundation, strengthen your character, and work seriously. Those who possess technical competence, good communication, and strong integrity will always be in demand," he said.
MSME Growth and International Employment Opportunities
Rico Waas also pointed to the strong potential of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as self-employed professions such as makeup artists and fashion designers. He noted that demand for professional makeup artists in Medan has increased significantly during major national events, creating promising business opportunities.
He further encouraged the public to actively utilize social media as a platform to promote their services and products.
To ease labor market pressure in Medan, the city government is also expanding overseas employment opportunities. In collaboration with Bank BJB, a financing scheme has been developed to support prospective workers through programs such as the Kredit Usaha Rakyat, enabling them to access training and later work abroad, including as caregivers in Japan.
"We must make use of all available opportunities. Not only in Medan, where the job market may already be saturated. We encourage entrepreneurship while also opening international pathways so that more citizens can earn income and support their families," Rico Waas said.
Industry-Oriented Training and Certification
Acting Head of the Medan Manpower Office, Ramadan, stated that this year's training program focuses on productivity improvement and maximizing job placement in the industrial sector.
A total of 100 participants are involved in five training modules. These include a seven-day barista training for 20 persons with disabilities, an 18-day forklift operator training for 20 participants, and two seven-day Safety Riding courses involving 40 participants.
In addition, there is an 18-day beauty and cosmetology training program for another 20 participants.
"The Safety Riding training consists of two classes with a total of 40 participants and began on July 6, 2026. The beauty training program involves 20 participants and also runs for 18 days starting the same date," Ramadan explained.
He emphasized that all successful graduates will receive official certification, including qualifications from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) and, depending on the field, operational licenses (SIO) and driving licenses (SIM).
Ramadan also noted that the Manpower Office has collaborated with PT KINRA and several industries in the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone to align training curricula with industrial needs.
Additionally, the city government is working with Bank BJB to support financing for workers who will be placed in Japan through accredited training institutions.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Mayor Rico Waas symbolically attached name tags to the participants. The Manpower Office also signed memoranda of understanding with PT Grab and PT Kamiitra Mita Jaya Utama as strategic partners to strengthen the labor market.
The event was attended by the Head of BBPVP Medan Amran S, the Head of the Medan Police Traffic Unit, representatives from BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Medan Kota Branch, representatives of Bank Jabar, and several senior officials of the Medan City Government. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala