This document provides a comprehensive overview of the current and projected skill demands within the Greater Surabaya 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.

As the second-largest metropolitan area in Indonesia and a key economic hub in East Java, Surabaya's job market is dynamic, influenced by its strong manufacturing, trade, and growing digital sectors. While the national job market may show fluctuations, Surabaya often presents distinct opportunities driven by its industrial base and regional importance.

Key Industries and Sectors with High Demand

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

• Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics: This sector remains a cornerstone of Surabaya's economy, with consistent demand across various operational and supply chain roles.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Warehouse operations, freight/cargo forwarding, administration (purchasing, logistics), and production management. Roles like "Translindo Management Program - Fresh Graduate," "Admin Penjualan," and "Administrasi Purchasing" are frequently advertised.
• Sales & Business Development: A consistently active sector, with companies seeking to expand their market reach and drive revenue.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Business Development Managers (especially in chemical manufacturing, building materials), Regional Sales Head, Sales Supervisor, Account Manager, and Sales Executive roles. Opportunities exist across various product categories, including industrial goods and consumer products.
• Information & Communication Technology (ICT): Surabaya is experiencing significant digital growth, attracting national and regional companies building IT teams.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Web developers (with competitive salaries), Network Operation Center roles (often open to fresh graduates), IT Manager, and specific IT functions like hardware and programming.
• Retail & Consumer Products: Demand for roles in managing sales, customer experience, and store operations.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Store Crew (e.g., Puyo Silky Desserts, Mie Gacoan), Sales Associates, and roles related to beauty product sales (e.g., Sociolla).
• Customer Service: High demand for roles that interact directly with customers, both in-person and through call centers.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Customer Services Officer (e.g., at airports), Customer Service Representative, and Care Customer Service Executive.
• Finance & Accounting: Core financial roles are consistently needed across various industries.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Finance, Accounting & Tax Staff (often welcoming fresh graduates), Accounting Officer, and Field Collection roles.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics in Surabaya frequently list vacancies for medical and support staff.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: Nurses and programming/IT roles within healthcare institutions.
• Human Resources & General Affairs (HRGA): Essential support functions for all growing businesses.
  • Specific Areas of Growth: HR-related roles, including those supporting overall company operations.

In-Demand Skills Forecast (Q2 2025 and Beyond)

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

1. Digital and Technical Proficiency:
   • Web Development: Proficiency in relevant web technologies (implied by demand for Web Developers).
   • Networking Knowledge: Understanding routing, switching, and TCP/IP (for Network Operation Center roles).
   • Microsoft Office & Excel: Essential for administrative and finance roles, particularly for data input and analysis.
   • Programming (e.g., Python, Java): Continues to be in demand for software development and IT roles.
   • Digital Marketing: For roles focused on online presence and sales.
2. Operational and Administrative Skills:
   • Warehouse Operations: Experience in managing warehouse activities.
   • Data Input/Management: Critical for administrative and finance staff.
   • Logistics & Freight Forwarding Expertise: For specialized roles in the transport sector.
   • Project Management: For IT and manufacturing projects.
3. Sales and Business Acumen:
   • Communication & Negotiation Skills: Fundamental for all sales and account management roles.
   • Sales Strategy & Client Relationship Management: Key for Business Development and Sales Manager positions.
   • Target Orientation: Crucial for sales roles.
4. Foundational and Interpersonal Skills:
   • Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Highly valued in finance, accounting, and administrative roles.
   • Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Essential across IT, finance, and managerial functions.
   • Discipline, Proactiveness, and Customer Orientation: General qualities sought across many entry-level and customer-facing roles.
   • Good Communication (Bahasa Indonesia & English): While not explicitly stated for all Surabaya listings, proficiency in English can be an advantage, especially in companies with international ties.

Upskilling and Reskilling for Career Advancement

Continuous learning, through both upskilling and reskilling, is crucial for professionals in Surabaya to stay competitive and seize new opportunities.

• Upskilling involves enhancing existing skills to excel in your current role or industry. For example, a marketing specialist might upskill in advanced digital analytics or e-commerce strategies.
• Reskilling means acquiring entirely new skills to transition into a different role or sector, often driven by technological advancements or industry shifts. For instance, a traditional administrative staff might reskill in data management or basic IT support.

Why Upskill and Reskill?

1. Adapting to Technological and Market Changes: Ensures relevance in a fast-evolving economic landscape.
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.
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 Surabaya):

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

• 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.
• Vocational Training Programs: Government-backed vocational schools and training centers in East Java (where Surabaya is located) offer programs designed to address specific industry skill gaps, often in collaboration with industries to ensure relevance.
• University Initiatives: Universities in Surabaya (e.g., Universitas Airlangga) actively hold webinars and workshops on the importance of reskilling and upskilling, often in collaboration with industry partners to discuss current trends and required competencies.
• Professional Development Institutions: Organizations like PPM Manajemen Surabaya offer a wide array of programs for management development, strategic solutions, human capital management, and certification in various fields (e.g., CFA, CPM, K3 Umum).
• Online Learning Platforms: National platforms such as Skill Academy and Pintar provide certified online courses and bootcamps covering digital marketing, data analytics, IT, and soft skills, accessible from Surabaya.
• Industry-Specific Training Centers: Various private training centers and IT solution providers in Surabaya (e.g., for specific software like SAP, or IT support skills) offer specialized courses to enhance technical capabilities.
• Government Initiatives for East Java: The East Java Provincial Government has launched programs like the Millennial Job Center (MJC) to provide a platform for young people to develop talents aligned with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era, emphasizing skill development and ecosystem creation.

Strategies for Effective Upskilling and Reskilling:

• Assess and Identify Gaps: Regularly evaluate your current skills against industry trends and your career aspirations.
• Strategic Course Selection: Choose training programs and certifications that are directly relevant to in-demand skills and align with your career goals.
• Embrace Blended Learning: Combine formal courses with self-learning, practical projects, mentorship, and industry networking.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of technological advancements and market shifts through industry news, reports, and professional communities.
• Proactive Engagement: Actively seek opportunities for learning and apply newly acquired skills in practical settings.

Sample Job Opportunities (Greater Surabaya Area - Q2 2025)

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

1. Crew Produksi Puyo Silky Desserts (Nginden, Surabaya) at Puyo Group Indonesia
   • Focus: Production roles in F&B, open to fresh graduates (SMA/SMK).
   • Link to Job Posting
2. Network Operation Center at Dutakom Wibawa Putra Group
   • Focus: IT/Network engineering, open to fresh graduates with D3 Computer/Electro/Informatics.
   • Link to Job Posting
3. Admin & Finance Staff area Surabaya at PT Kobus Smart Service
   • Focus: Administrative and finance support, welcoming fresh graduates.
   • Link to Job Posting
4. Sales Executive GoTo Area Surabaya at Staffinc
   • Focus: Sales, open to fresh graduates with strong interest in sales.
   • Link to Job Posting
5. Finance, Accounting & Tax Staff (Surabaya) at PT. Sarana Utama Adimandiri
   • Focus: Finance, accounting, and taxation. Fresh graduates are welcome.
   • Link to Job Posting
6. Translindo Management Program - Fresh Graduate (Global Exposure) at PT. TRANSLINDO SAMUDERA PACIFIC
   • Focus: Management trainee program in freight/cargo forwarding, offering global exposure.
   • Link to Job Posting
7. Customer Services Officer at Juanda International Airport (SUB)
   • Focus: Customer service in a dynamic airport environment.
   • Link to Job Posting
8. Pustakawan (Librarian) at Perhimpunan Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran Kristen PETRA
   • Focus: Library management, potentially suitable for fresh graduates in library science or related fields.
   • Link to Job Posting
9. Secretary & Personal Assistant to Director - SURABAYA at Kitchenware Indonesia
   • Focus: Executive support, requiring strong organizational skills.
   • Link to Job Posting
10. IT Service Desk at PT Astra Graphia Information Technology
    • Focus: Entry-level IT support, requiring understanding of hardware, software, and networking basics.
    • Link to Job Posting

Opportunities for Youth, Young Graduates, and Senior University Students

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

• Management Trainee (MT) / Graduate Programs: Companies like Maybank Indonesia, Philip Morris Indonesia, and PT. TRANSLINDO SAMUDERA PACIFIC offer structured MT programs that provide comprehensive training and fast-track career progression.
• Internships: Opportunities for internships are available across various sectors (e.g., DHL, PwC Indonesia, McEasy Indonesia, National Hospital Surabaya). These are crucial for gaining practical experience and building networks.
• Entry-Level Roles: A significant number of entry-level positions exist in administration, customer service, sales, and manufacturing/production. Many companies explicitly welcome fresh graduates.
• IT/Tech Roles: Surabaya has a growing demand for IT professionals, including entry-level Software Engineers, Network Operation Center staff, and IT Support/Hardware roles.
• Focus on Foundational Skills: Strong administrative efficiency, customer service orientation, and basic IT literacy are highly valued across many entry-level positions.

Conclusion

The Greater Surabaya job market in mid-2025 demonstrates consistent demand across its industrial, trade, and increasingly digital sectors. While the market presents competitive aspects, particularly for fresh graduates, a proactive approach to acquiring in-demand digital, operational, and interpersonal skills will significantly enhance employability. Leveraging internships, management trainee programs, and available upskilling/reskilling initiatives will be key for young professionals to navigate this vibrant regional hub successfully.

Note: this is an AI-assisted analysis