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2026-11-03T09:16:30

Construction Worker Shortage: 12 Million Certified Needed, 41,824 Trained

建筑工人短缺：印尼需1200万持证工人，今年仅培训认证41824人

A construction worker shortage is no longer a local complaint. Konstruksi News reported on 1 November 2026 that the need for competent, certified construction workers is estimated at 12 million by contractor associations, while the Public Works Ministry had trained and certified 41,824 people by 22 October 2026. In places like Buleleng, projects have even had to bring in workers from outside Bali.

Key Facts

The gap between 12 million and 41,824

In a piece marking Indonesian Innovation Day on 1 November, Konstruksi News named labour as one of the sector's biggest tasks. Construction grew 6.68% in the second quarter of 2026, faster than the national economy at 5.29%. Housing need is also large: according to BPS, 9.29 million households do not own a home and about 18.01 million do not live in adequate housing.

The number of certified workers has not kept up. By 22 October 2026 the Public Works Ministry had trained 41,824 construction workers, far from the 12 million estimated by contractor associations. The article suggested certification closer to project sites, field schools for builders, vocational curricula designed with industry, and linking certificates to pay so the trade appeals to young people.

Construction worker shortage in the regions: the Buleleng case

The Buleleng Regency Manpower, Transmigration and Energy Office wrote that builders are increasingly hard to find, to the point that projects bring in workers from outside Bali. Causes it listed include:

  • Young people choose tourism, trade, services or migrant work, seen as offering steadier income.
  • Building work is paid daily or per job, so income goes up and down.
  • Workers move to other sectors during harvests or when other projects are busy.
  • Building work needs specific skills, and training does not happen quickly.

As a result, many projects run late, wages may rise because of scarcity, and costs grow when workers are brought from elsewhere. The office called for training at vocational centres (BLK), more competitive pay, better job protection and renewal through training local youth.

Certification tests now under way

Local governments and colleges keep opening certification routes. In East Belitung, free construction competency tests are scheduled for 9–11 November 2026. Nine job titles are tested, including Construction OHS Officer level 3, Building Draughtsman level 4, and Building and Road Site Supervisor level 6.

In West Papua, 206 students of Fakfak State Polytechnic took construction OHS competency tests in three rounds on 27 October, 29 October and 4 November 2026. Level 5 is for diploma students in electrical and civil engineering, and level 6 for applied bachelor students in road and bridge engineering. Certificates are issued through BNSP, usually three to five working days after the test.

What it means for homeowners and contractors

  • Book builders early, especially before busy seasons, because skilled labour is limited.
  • Ask for competency certificates for risky work such as structure and electrical.
  • Have materials ready on time. When builders are scarce, days lost waiting for materials cost more.
  • Choose materials that are easy to install and meet standards, so results depend less on rare skills.

homeX, a one-stop building materials and furniture platform with a showroom, warehousing and delivery, helps project owners prepare materials to match builders' schedules so site time is not wasted.

construction worker shortage: related articles and products

FAQ

Why are builders getting harder to find? According to the Buleleng manpower office, young people choose sectors with steadier income, builders' earnings fluctuate and skills training is slow.

How many certified construction workers does Indonesia need? Konstruksi News cited a contractor association estimate of 12 million, while the Public Works Ministry had trained 41,824 by 22 October 2026.

Where are free construction certification tests in November 2026? One is in East Belitung on 9–11 November 2026 for nine job titles, although registration closed on 31 October.

For building and renovation material needs, reach the homeX team on WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998, by email at homex9998@gmail.com or through our contact page.

Sources: Konstruksi News, Indonesian Innovation Day and construction (1 Nov 2026); Buleleng Regency Manpower Office, construction labour crisis (26 Jun 2026); East Belitung Public Works Office, 2026 construction competency certification (11 Oct 2026); Tribun Papua Barat, Polinef certifies 206 students in construction OHS (accessed 3 Nov 2026)