PURWOKERTO | INDATANEWS.COM - The Ministry of Manpower and Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) are preparing several follow-up measures to further strengthen their cooperation in employment and the labor market. The partnership is expected to expand access for Unsoed students and alumni to labor market information, skills development, internship programs, and employment opportunities.
One of the key follow-up measures is the extension of the cooperation agreement, or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The Ministry of Manpower considers the continuation of the MoU an important foundation for implementing various labor market programs that can be more closely aligned with the needs of students and alumni.
"One of the important tasks that we need to follow up on is the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding, or MoU, between the Ministry of Manpower and Universitas Jenderal Soedirman," said Ministry of Manpower Secretary General Cris Kuntadi while presenting the Ministry of Manpower's programs at Unsoed in Purwokerto on Friday, September 18, 2026.
According to Cris, the link between higher education institutions and the world of work must be continuously strengthened so that students do not merely acquire academic knowledge but also gain access to information and experience relevant to labor market requirements. Therefore, the cooperation between the Ministry of Manpower and Unsoed is expected to bridge these needs through various programs that can be accessed by students and alumni.
MoU as a Foundation for Labor Market Programs
Cris explained that the extension of the MoU could serve as the foundation for implementing various strategic programs. These include providing labor market information, improving competencies, internship programs, and facilitating employment opportunities for Unsoed students and alumni.
Providing labor market information is an important component in helping students and graduates gain a better understanding of developments in workforce demand. Such information can help job seekers identify available employment opportunities and align their existing competencies with the qualifications required by employers.
In addition to labor market information, skills development is also an important part of the cooperation. Universities can play a central role in preparing qualified workers through education and training. At the same time, the Ministry of Manpower has various programs that can support skills development and preparation for entering the workforce.
Internship programs are also an instrument that can provide students with direct work experience. Through internships, students can become familiar with the work environment, understand workplace processes, and develop skills that cannot be fully acquired through classroom learning.
Facilitating employment opportunities is another measure aimed at strengthening the connection between universities, the government, and the business sector. Through more integrated cooperation, students and alumni are expected to gain broader access to employment opportunities that match their competencies and educational backgrounds.
EXTENSION OF THE MOU: Ministry of Manpower Secretary General Cris Kuntadi explains the importance of extending the MoU between the Ministry of Manpower and Universitas Jenderal Soedirman to expand students' and alumni's access to labor market programs. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Media and Public Relations Office)
Tracer Study Strengthens Graduate Data
In addition to extending the MoU, Cris also highlighted the importance of strengthening the use of the Tracer Study at Unsoed. He said accurate graduate data could help universities and government institutions gain a better understanding of the circumstances and career paths of alumni after completing their studies.
A Tracer Study can provide information on the waiting period before obtaining a first job, the alignment between a graduate's field of study and occupation, as well as changing competency requirements in the labor market. Such data can serve as a basis for developing skills programs and employment placement measures.
Information on the time required to obtain a first job, for example, can provide an indication of how quickly graduates enter the labor market. Data on the alignment between education and employment can also provide insight into the extent to which graduates' competencies correspond to industry requirements.
The Ministry of Manpower considers this data important because the world of work continues to evolve dynamically. Companies' demand for particular competencies can change as a result of technological developments, changes in business models, and broader economic conditions. Therefore, universities need sufficient information about the career paths of their alumni after graduation.
Strengthening the Tracer Study can also help Unsoed identify the need for additional skills development among its graduates. With a stronger data foundation, the university can more effectively align its educational programs and student preparation with the demands of the world of work.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION AND SYNERGY: Ministry of Manpower Secretary General Cris Kuntadi calls for stronger communication and synergy with Universitas Jenderal Soedirman to better prepare students and alumni for the demands of the world of work. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Media and Public Relations Office)
Optimizing the SIAPkerja Ecosystem
On the occasion, Cris also encouraged Unsoed students and alumni to take advantage of the various services available through the SIAPkerja ecosystem. The Ministry of Manpower provides several platforms that can support job seekers, workers, training participants, and people seeking to establish or develop businesses.
These services include Karirhub, Skillhub, Maganghub, Sertifhub, and Bizhub. Each platform serves a different function and can assist students and alumni in preparing to enter the workforce or in developing their entrepreneurial potential.
Karirhub can be used to access information on available job vacancies. Skillhub, meanwhile, provides access to professional skills development programs. Students can also use Maganghub to obtain information about internship opportunities and gain practical experience before fully entering the workforce.
Sertifhub provides services related to competency certification, while Bizhub can support people in developing entrepreneurial activities. Together, these services provide students and alumni with various options for developing their careers according to their individual needs, circumstances, and goals.
Cris emphasized that the use of these services must be accompanied by continuous communication and coordination between the Ministry of Manpower and Unsoed. Both institutions need to align their objectives so that the cooperation already established does not remain merely an administrative agreement but instead produces concrete programs that provide direct benefits to students and alumni.
Continuous communication is also necessary to determine program priorities. Through this approach, the Ministry of Manpower and Unsoed can identify the most relevant needs based on labor market developments as well as the circumstances of students and alumni.
Such coordination can make program implementation more effective and measurable. Universities play an important role in preparing graduates, while the government, through the Ministry of Manpower, can strengthen access to available labor market services.
"In the future, it is expected that communication and synergy between the Ministry of Manpower and Unsoed will continue to develop, particularly in helping students and alumni become better prepared to meet the demands of the world of work," Cris said.
The cooperation between the Ministry of Manpower and Unsoed is expected to further strengthen the connection between higher education and the requirements of the world of work. The extension of the MoU, the strengthening of the Tracer Study, and the utilization of the SIAPkerja ecosystem are among the measures that can support students and alumni in accessing information, developing competencies, gaining professional experience, and building their careers.
Through continuous coordination, the Ministry of Manpower and Unsoed can develop programs based on the actual needs of students and alumni as well as developments in the labor market. This approach also provides opportunities for universities and the government to strengthen the preparation of a qualified workforce and expand public access to labor market services. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala