Human Resource Management and Competency Issues in Bali's Rural-Urban Migration

Abstract

Rural-to-urban migration has become a dominant trend in developing regions, including Indonesia, where labor mobility is driven by disparities in economic opportunity and access to formal employment. In the context of Bali, rural populations increasingly migrate to urban centers in search of improved livelihoods. However, this movement often exposes migrants to significant competency challenges, including technical skill shortages and inadequate soft skills, which hinder their integration into formal labor markets. This study investigates how human resource management (HRM) practices respond to these challenges and facilitate the professional development and labor inclusion of rural migrants in Bali’s urban settings. This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological research design to deeply explore the lived experiences of rural migrants and human resource professionals. Semi structured interviews were conducted with participants comprising rural- to-urban labor migrants currently employed in urban settings, as well as HR managers from diverse organizational contexts. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to ensure the inclusion of information-rich cases and to capture a wide range of perspectives. Data were analyzed following phenomenological procedures, beginning with the transcription of interview recordings and horizonalization to identify significant statements. The findings reveal clear patterns of competency gaps among rural migrants, with most lacking both domain-specific technical skills and essential soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and workplace discipline. These deficiencies frequently resulted in initial employment within the informal sector. Nevertheless, human resource management practices especially onboarding programs, in-house training, and mentoring initiatives were identified as key enablers of professional integration. Additionally, the role of informal learning environments, including peer networks and community-based knowledge exchange, was significant in enhancing migrants’ workplace adaptation and identity formation. The study underscores the need for HRM frameworks that are inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of rural migrants, particularly in the context of urban labor market demands. This study concludes that competency challenges among rural-to-urban migrants in Bali represent a critical barrier to full labor market integration. Human resource management plays a pivotal role in addressing these barriers through strategic onboarding, reskilling, and continuous professional development. The proposed conceptual model offers practical insights for policymakers and HR practitioners to better align workforce strategies with the realities of labor migration. Broader institutional support is required to scale these interventions and ensure sustainable, inclusive labor development in urban Bali.