By: Naufal Ramadhana )*
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting Indonesian workers amidst the dynamic challenges of the global economy. Various anticipatory measures have been taken to maintain employment stability while ensuring that businesses remain resilient to external pressures. These efforts are an important part of the national strategy to maintain a balance between business continuity and worker protection.
International geopolitical developments, including the conflict in the Middle East, have impacted the global economy. This situation has also affected various business sectors in many countries, including Indonesia. Recognizing the potential risks that could arise to the labor market, the government has chosen to take early preventative measures through cross-ministerial coordination and strengthening various employment programs.
The Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, emphasized that the government continues to work in an integrated manner to monitor developments in the economy and the industrial sector to prevent a wave of layoffs. According to him, intensive coordination between agencies is key to addressing emerging challenges so that solutions can be quickly provided when the business sector encounters obstacles.
This step reflects the government’s approach, which focuses not only on handling problems after they occur but also prioritizes mitigation efforts to minimize the risk of layoffs early. This preventative approach is crucial because employment stability is closely linked to national economic resilience and public welfare.
The commitment to worker protection is also strengthened through the optimization of the Job Loss Guarantee Program (JKP). This program is designed as a social protection instrument that provides support for laid-off workers so they can maintain temporary income while preparing to re-enter the workforce.
Yassierli explained that the state must remain present when workers face difficult times due to job loss. Therefore, protection does not end when the employment relationship ends, but continues through various forms of support that help workers find new employment opportunities.
In its implementation, the JKP Program provides benefits in the form of cash assistance that can be used to meet basic needs during the transition period. However, the government does not view financial assistance as the sole solution. The primary focus of this policy is to ensure workers continue to have the opportunity to improve themselves so they can adapt to the ever-changing needs of the industry.
According to Yassierli, Indonesian workers need to be equipped with relevant competencies to cope with the increasingly rapid technological developments and industrial transformation. Therefore, social protection must go hand in hand with skills development so that workers are not only protected but also more competitive.
This approach demonstrates that the government’s current employment policy is moving toward a more comprehensive protection system. Workers affected by layoffs not only receive temporary assistance but also opportunities to improve their skills, which can increase their chances of finding new employment.
Strengthening worker protection also received attention from the Secretary General of the Ministry of Manpower, Cris Kuntadi. He explained that the government continues to expand the scope of employment protection to reach various groups of workers, both in the formal and informal sectors, as well as the ever-growing digital economy.
Cris also assessed that strengthening the benefits of the JKP Program needs to be supported by access to labor market information and adequate training. This step is crucial because the challenges of modern employment relate not only to the number of available jobs, but also to the match between workforce competencies and industry needs.
In line with these efforts, the government continues to strengthen various programs to improve the quality of human resources. Deputy Minister of Manpower, Afriansyah Noor, stated that the government has prepared anticipatory measures to address the impact of the global economic slowdown on the employment sector.
Afriansyah explained that one strategy being implemented is to expand the National Internship Program. In 2026, the program’s quota was increased from 100,000 to 150,000 participants. This policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing more opportunities for young people to gain work experience and improve their skills.
The expansion of the internship program is expected to bridge the gap between the needs of the industrial world and the availability of a ready-to-use workforce. Through hands-on experience in the workplace, participants can understand the demands of the workforce.
in industry while increasing their competitiveness in the job market.
In addition to the internship program, the government is also expanding national vocational training aimed at high school and vocational school graduates. This program is implemented through job training centers in various regions to ensure more equitable access to competency development.
The training is equipped with various supporting facilities, including state-recognized competency certification. Thus, participants not only acquire new skills but also have proof of competence that can increase their employment opportunities.
Strengthening job training demonstrates that the government is not merely seeking to mitigate the impact of layoffs but also to build a more resilient long-term workforce foundation. The quality of human resources is a crucial factor in facing the increasingly rapid changes in the global economy.
At the same time, the government believes that the economic strength of the people is the primary foundation for facing various global pressures. Therefore, employment policies continue to be directed towards expanding job opportunities, improving workforce competency, and strengthening social protection for the community.
*) Public Policy Observer