This document provides a comprehensive overview of the current and projected skill demands within the Greater Makassar area, with a specific focus on opportunities for youth, young graduates, and senior university students. The insights are derived from recent job market analyses and job board listings from the past three months (approximately March to June 2025), offering a forward-looking perspective for the remainder of 2025.

Makassar, as the largest city in Eastern Indonesia and a major port, serves as a crucial economic hub for the region. Its job market is characterized by strong activity in trade, logistics, manufacturing (especially food production), and a growing financial and digital sector. This dynamic environment presents diverse opportunities, emphasizing adaptability and relevant skill sets for young professionals.

Key Industries and Sectors with High Demand

Based on recent job listings in the Greater Makassar area, the following sectors are anticipated to drive job opportunities and skill demand:

• Manufacturing & Production (especially Food Processing): This sector consistently shows demand for skilled workers, particularly in food production, where technical skills and teamwork are highly valued.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Machine Operators/Technicians, Production roles, and Quality Control in manufacturing.
• Sales & Business Development: A perennially active sector across various product and service industries, including banking, finance, logistics, and retail.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Sales Consultant (Logistics), Account Executive, Marketing Corporate Executive (Management Trainee), Sales Administration Staff, and SPG/SPB (Sales Promotion Girl/Boy).
• Banking & Financial Services: This sector is undergoing acceleration in digitalization, driving demand for responsive and efficient services.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Supervisor, Marketing Relationship Executive, Verifikator (Surveyor), and various roles in branch operations, including Management Trainee programs.
• Logistics & Supply Chain: Given Makassar's role as a port city, efficient logistics and inventory management are critical.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Inventory Management, Warehouse Supervisor, Warehouse Helper, and PO Administrator.
• Retail & Consumer Goods: Significant activity in supermarkets and specialized retail (e.g., gadget care, beauty clinics).
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Store Staff (Grocery, Produce), Cashier, Supervisor Gadget Care, and roles in beauty clinics (Front Office, Cashier).
• Administration & Office Support: Essential support roles needed across almost all businesses for smooth operations.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Admin (general), Data Entry, Admin Finance, Admin Warehouse, and Sales Administration Staff.
• Customer Service: High demand for roles that interact directly with customers, both in-person and through call centers.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Customer Service Agent, Customer Service / Document & Invoicing / Operations Staff, and roles involving direct customer interaction in retail.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics consistently require medical and support staff.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Pharmacists, Laboratory Technicians, and Nurses.
• Human Resources: Essential for talent management and recruitment.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Human Resource Generalist.

In-Demand Skills Forecast (Q2 2025 and Beyond)

Based on the job landscape in Greater Makassar, the following skills are highly sought after:

1. Digital & Technical Proficiency:
   • Data Entry & Management: Crucial for administrative and operational roles across many sectors.
   • Technical Skills (Industry-Specific): Particularly for operating food production equipment in manufacturing.
   • Digital Skills (General): Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software platforms is increasingly a baseline requirement.
   • IT/Network Basics: For roles in telecommunications (e.g., Freshgraduate Development Program in Telecommunication).
   • Digitalization in Banking: Understanding of digital banking services and customer responsiveness.
2. Operational & Administrative Acumen:
   • Inventory Control & Order Management: Essential in logistics and retail.
   • Procurement: For purchasing and supply chain roles.
   • Administrative Tasks: Meticulous record-keeping, invoicing, and document management.
   • Machine Operation/Maintenance: For roles in manufacturing.
3. Sales & Business Acumen:
   • Communication & Negotiation Skills: Fundamental for sales, customer service, and business development roles.
   • Sales Strategy: For roles focused on achieving targets and expanding market share.
   • Market Analysis: For marketing and business development positions.
4. Soft Skills & Adaptability:
   • Teamwork & Collaboration: Highly emphasized, particularly in manufacturing and service-oriented environments.
   • Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: For roles in finance, operations, and quality control.
   • Diligence & Accuracy: Valued in administrative and financial tasks.
   • Proactiveness & Initiative: Sought after across dynamic roles.
   • Adaptability: Essential for navigating the evolving demands of various industries.

Upskilling and Reskilling for Career Advancement

In Makassar's dynamic job market, continuous learning, through both upskilling and reskilling, is vital for career advancement and sustained employability.

• Upskilling involves enhancing existing skills to excel in your current role or industry. For example, a retail sales associate might upskill in e-commerce platform management or digital marketing.
• Reskilling means acquiring entirely new skills to transition into a different role or sector, often driven by technological advancements or industry shifts. For instance, an individual from a traditional administrative role might reskill in data analytics to support growing digital operations.

Why Upskill and Reskill?

1. Meeting Industry Demands: Ensures your competencies align with the evolving needs of Makassar's key industries, particularly in manufacturing and the digital financial sector.
2. Boosting Employability: Makes you a more attractive candidate by demonstrating a proactive approach to professional development.
3. Facilitating Career Transitions: Opens pathways to new roles and industries, offering greater career flexibility in a diversifying economy.
4. Increasing Productivity: Equips individuals with the latest knowledge and tools to perform tasks more efficiently.
5. Long-term Career Growth: Fosters a mindset of continuous improvement, leading to sustained professional development.

Available Resources and Initiatives in Indonesia (Applicable to Makassar):

Both government and private sectors in Indonesia provide various programs for skill development, many of which are accessible to or have a presence in Makassar and South Sulawesi:

• Indonesia Cyber Education Institute (ICE-I): A government-led initiative focused on providing online learning opportunities in cyber education and digital skills. You can find several reskilling courses here: ICE Institute
• Kartu Prakerja Program: A significant national government initiative providing inclusive access to vocational training, skilling, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities for Indonesian citizens. This program offers online modules in various in-demand skills and is accessible nationwide, including Makassar.
• Vocational Training Programs (e.g., Maritime/Diving): The Balai Pengembangan Penjaminan Mutu Pendidikan Vokasi Bidang Kelautan, Perikanan, Teknologi Informasi, dan Komunikasi (BPPMPV KPTK) in Makassar conducts upskilling and reskilling programs for vocational teachers, such as Widyaselam training for maritime teachers, to align with industry needs. This indicates a focus on maritime and related vocational skills in the region.
• Digital Talent Scholarship (VSGA) by Kominfo: This program offers training and certification in various national occupational areas within ICT (e.g., Associate Data Scientist, Junior Network Administrator, Junior Web Developer, Junior Graphic Designer, Junior Cyber Security). The Faculty of Computer Science, UMI, in Makassar, is a partner university for this initiative, offering both online and offline training with certification.
• Professional Development Institutions: Organizations like PPM Manajemen Makassar offer certification programs in human resources, risk and compliance, supply chain, project management, finance, and marketing, providing pathways for professional growth.
• University-led Career Development Centers: Universities in Makassar may have career development centers that offer workshops, career counseling, and job fair information.
• Government Initiatives for South Sulawesi: Efforts are made to align vocational school graduates' skills with industry needs, identifying partnership opportunities, and supporting programs like "SMK Bisa Hebat" to enhance competitiveness.

Strategies for Effective Upskilling and Reskilling:

• Identify Local Skill Gaps: Research specific skill demands in Makassar's key industries, particularly in food production, logistics, and digital services.
• Leverage Government Programs: Actively participate in programs like Kartu Prakerja and Kominfo's VSGA to gain certified digital and vocational skills.
• Focus on Practical Application: Seek training that offers hands-on experience and build a portfolio of projects to showcase your abilities.
• Network with Local Industries: Connect with professionals in Makassar's manufacturing, trade, and financial sectors to understand evolving needs.
• Embrace Cross-Functional Learning: Consider learning skills from different departments (e.g., IT skills for administrative roles) to increase versatility.

Sample Job Opportunities (Greater Makassar Area - Q2 2025)

Here are 10 sample entry-level or fresh graduate job opportunities recently advertised in the Greater Makassar area, offering a glimpse into current hiring trends:

1. SUPERVISOR MAKASSAR at Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Makassar):
   • Focus: Entry-level supervisory role, involving data analysis, reporting, and planning based on KPI.
   • Link to Job Posting
2. Customer Service Agent at Sinergi Performa Cipta (Makassar):
   • Focus: Customer interaction, managing inquiries and disputes. Open to fresh graduates.
   • Link to Job Posting
3. Data Entry Makassar - Sulawesi Selatan at PT Rahadhyan Integarasi Nusantara (Makassar):
   • Focus: Data entry tasks, suitable for fresh graduates (SMA/SMK level).
   • Link to Job Posting
4. Marketing Corporate Executive (Management Trainee Program) - Branch Makassar Corporate at Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Makassar):
   • Focus: Management Trainee program in corporate financing, open to fresh graduates.
   • Link to Job Posting
5. MANAGEMENT TRAINEE at Supermarket Laundry Makassar (Makassar):
   • Focus: Management trainee program, open to all majors, especially those in Management or Business.
   • Link to Job Posting
6. Sales Administration Staff (Maros-Sulawesi Selatan) at Jobstreet (various companies listed):
   • Focus: Sales administration, offering career progression.
   • Link to Job Posting
7. Machine Operator / Technician (Makassar):
   • Focus: Operating and maintaining machinery in manufacturing.
   • Link to Job Posting
8. ADMIN FINANCE, WAREHOUSE & PURCHASING - MAKASSAR at PT Nafeeza Radhya Bogatama (Makassar):
   • Focus: Comprehensive administrative role covering finance, warehouse, and purchasing.
   • Link to Job Posting
9. Sales Officer Bank (Makassar):
   • Focus: Sales in the banking sector, offering incentives and career growth.
   • Link to Job Posting
10. Freshgraduate Development Program (FGDP) - Sulawesi at PT Elabram Systems (Makassar):
    • Focus: Development program for fresh graduates, often in telecommunications or project management.
    • Link to Job Posting

Opportunities for Youth, Young Graduates, and Senior University Students

For young graduates and university students in Makassar, several avenues offer promising entry points into the job market:

• Management Trainee (MT) / Freshgraduate Development Programs: Banking and other industries offer structured development programs for career progression.
• Entry-Level Administrative & Customer Service Roles: High demand for positions in data entry, general administration, and customer interaction, with many roles explicitly welcoming fresh graduates.
• Sales & Retail Roles: Opportunities exist for sales promotion, direct sales, and sales in financial products.
• Operational & Production Roles: Consistent demand in manufacturing and logistics for hands-on operational and technical staff.
• Focus on Foundational Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and good communication (including teamwork) are highly valued.
• Leverage Local Industry Focus: Tailor skills towards key regional industries like food production and maritime.

Conclusion

The Greater Makassar job market in mid-2025 is vibrant and diverse, with strong activity in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and the digitalizing financial sector. While competition for fresh graduates exists, a proactive approach to acquiring in-demand digital, operational, and interpersonal skills will significantly enhance employability. By leveraging available entry points, participating in structured development programs, and engaging with government and private upskilling initiatives, young professionals can successfully build rewarding careers in this strategically important Eastern Indonesian hub.

Note: this is AI-assisted analysis