Government Affirms Implementation of “17+8” Aspirations Through Economic Stimulus and Layoff Prevention
Jakarta — The government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the public’s “17+8” demands, a set of aspirations voiced recently through various channels, including labor unions and student groups. These demands primarily focus on employment issues and economic welfare. The government has ensured that these aspirations will not remain mere discourse but will be translated into concrete actions—such as economic stimulus, provision of decent wages, and efforts to prevent mass layoffs (PHK).
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stressed that employment issues are being treated as a top priority. He stated that strategic steps, from dialogue with labor unions to industrial deregulation policies, are being prepared to respond to public concerns.
“Preventing mass layoffs is already part of the government’s responsibility. We mentioned earlier that continuing deregulation in several industries in Java could result in over 100,000 new jobs,” said Airlangga.
Airlangga also noted that the current strength of the national economy provides a solid foundation for reinforcing various social programs and public protection measures.
“The rupiah remains strong at IDR 16,400, and macroeconomic indicators are favorable. Several social programs will be enhanced to provide more direct benefits. That means we will continue to strengthen support for the middle class as well,” he explained.
Meanwhile, economist M. Rizal Taufikurahman observed that the government is proactively anticipating the risk of widespread layoffs through more strategic measures. He emphasized that incentives for affected industries are crucial to maintaining both production and workforce levels.
“In addition, encouraging product diversification and expanding both domestic and export markets, as well as strengthening workforce capacity through professional job training, will help workers become more adaptive and responsive to industrial changes,” said the Head of the Center for Macroeconomics and Finance at INDEF.
Rizal also stressed that consistent fiscal and monetary policy support will enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness amid the global economic slowdown. This would allow the public’s demands for greater welfare to be addressed not just in the short term but also over the long haul.
Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, also responded to the viral “17+8” issue, which has been widely circulated on social media and amplified by civil society groups. He noted that the voices raised reflect the concerns of a segment of the population, but expressed optimism that the government can ease those concerns through sustainable economic growth.
“Basically, this is the voice of a part of our population. Why? Because some may feel that their lives are being disrupted. But once I achieve 6% or 7% economic growth, those concerns will naturally disappear,” said Purbaya.
He emphasized that the government is preparing additional stimulus policies to ensure economic growth becomes more inclusive. The target of achieving over 6% growth is expected to bring significant positive impacts, including job creation, wage increases, and strengthening the people’s purchasing power.
