The Impact of Population Density and Minimum Wage on Unemployment: The Urgency of Psychological Resilience in A Multicultural Workplace
Keywords:
Population Density, Minimum Wage, Open Unemployment, Psychological Resilience, Work ReadinessAbstract
Educated unemployment in urban areas constitutes a structural problem that has become increasingly complex due to high demographic density and wage standards. This condition creates a competitive multicultural work ecosystem. This study aims to examine the effect of Population Density and Regency/City Minimum Wage (UMK) on the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) in East Java Province, as well as to analyze the urgency of psychological resilience in building work readiness among young graduates. This research employs an explanatory quantitative approach based on aggregate secondary data obtained from official publications of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) for the year 2025. The research sample was drawn using a total sampling technique, encompassing all 38 regencies/cities in East Java Province. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression (Ordinary Least Squares). The findings prove that Population Density (p = 0.006; t = 2.950) and UMK (p = 0.020; t = 2.432) partially and simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on TPT, with the model's explanatory power accounting for 40.5% of the variability. In conclusion, high population ratios and wage standards compel industries to implement stringent recruitment efficiency, culminating in increased unemployment. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of Human Resource Development (HRD) interventions in higher education through the strengthening of psychological resilience to build adaptability and work readiness among students in facing the rigors of rejection within a multicultural work environment.
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