Analysis of the Unemployment Rate in Kedungwaru District, Tulungagung Regency

Abstract

This study examines unemployment in Kedungwaru District, Tulungagung Regency, an area with the highest population density and the most dynamic economic activity in the regency, yet one that still faces serious employment challenges. It aims to analyze unemployment types based on Sadono Sukirno's theory and to identify their influencing factors, using a descriptive qualitative approach across five villages: Tawangsari, Ringinpitu, Majan, Tanon, and Ngujang. Data were collected through interviews with eight informants, field observation, and documentation, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, with validity verified through source, technique, and time triangulation. The results show that all four types of unemployment, namely frictional, structural, cyclical, and technological, occur with varying degrees of severity, with structural unemployment being the most dominant and technological unemployment having a permanent impact on older workers. Key contributing factors include low human resource quality, an imbalance between the labor force and available jobs, technological advancement, skills mismatch, low wages, and inadequate social protection. The study recommends developing market-oriented job training, strengthening minimum wage enforcement, and expanding social security coverage for informal workers.