Agricultural Performance and Its Potential Role Amid Manufacturing Industry Contraction and Employment Challenges in Solo Raya

Abstract

The manufacturing industry in the Solo Raya region experienced a decline this year due to the closure of several large industries. This situation has not only caused changes in the socio-economic conditions of the community but also affected several other sectors, including agriculture. This study aims to analyze trends in the agricultural sector due to the closure of manufacturing industries in Solo Raya. The approach used in this research is descriptive, qualitative, and analyzes secondary data. Data collection methods include literature studies, observations, and interviews. The data shows that the manufacturing sector still dominates the GRDP in Solo Raya District compared to the agricultural sector. The rate of workers in the industrial sector has begun to decrease due to the closure of several large-scale industries, while the rate of workers in the agricultural sector remains dominant. However, the agricultural sector is not fully capable of being the alternative for workers affected by mass lay-offs because agricultural products cannot replace the manufacturing sector as the largest contributor to GRDP. Furthermore, the agricultural sector is also not the primary choice for workers who are laid off from the manufacturing sector.