The Strategy of Urban Poverty Alleviation Through Empowering the Young Unemployed People in Municipality of Semarang, Central Java-Indonesia: Introducing A-B-G-C Collaboration

Abstract

Semarang municipality as a capital city of Central Java Province has multidimensional urban poverty problem, particularly with the unemployed young potential skilled people. This phenomena is likely correlate with the higher criminal rate in the city. The main objective of this study is to formulate the empowerment strategy by introducing informal educational/extension program to the targeted group. Mixed-method of quantitative and qualitative has been employed to develop the strategy posed. Thereafter 152 persons were selected using quoted purposive sampling. Focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviewed with 20 persons of competent key-persons (informant) were also conducted as media to construct the strategy of empowerment to improve their social status. The results showed that the young people targeted were interested to create their new employment, among others mostly were as mechanic in the workshop of motor or car, operator or worker in garment and/or other industry, and opening small restaurant business. However, the suitability of their interest versus their talent may or may not match all the time. Thereby, it is indeed necessary to be adjusted and negotiated accordingly. In this case, the government plays a significant role as the mediator in order for better achievement and benefit to both side (between the supplier of human resource and its users in the field). Lastly, perhaps co-management approach with A-B-G-C (academician-business-government-community) collaboration arrangement should be applied as the way forwards to formulate the suitable empowerment strategy to induce the self-employment for the targeted respondents through informal education.