Thousands of people of different ages attended East Java’s job fair in Surabaya to seek work and learn what employers need. The job seekers profiled by Bisnis.com show that the search for stable income affects both experienced workers and university students.

Wiseso, 57, had been looking for permanent work for three years after his former company closed. He had worked in advertising and public accounting and now freelances in corporate data processing, with income that varies from month to month. He hopes to return to stable employment partly to support his children’s education.

Airlangga University students Tiara Rahmanjani and Kanayata Bita also attended to explore opportunities and learn about the workplace. Tiara cited tuition of Rp5 million per semester, along with housing and daily expenses in Surabaya, as reasons she wants to help her parents. Both hoped the fair would clarify employers’ qualification requirements.

Bisnis.com cited Statistics Indonesia data showing East Java’s open unemployment rate was 3.55% in February 2026, with about 892,000 people not absorbed from a labor force of 25.14 million. Formal employment represented 35.56%, down 0.53 percentage points from February 2025.

Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said the fair was designed to help job seekers match their skills with available openings. Of 102 participating businesses, 57 were present in person while the rest offered online access. Some companies also offered skills training for prospective workers.