Jakarta – The government continues to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination to anticipate potential layoffs (PHK) amidst global economic pressures, the weakening rupiah exchange rate, and the impact of international geopolitical conflicts.
This measure is being taken to maintain business continuity while protecting workers from the risk of job loss.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, emphasized that the government continues to work in an integrated manner to respond to various challenges that could potentially impact the employment sector.
“We continue to coordinate with the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (Airlangga Hartarto). So, as you can see, many steps have been taken,” Yassierli said at a press conference in Jakarta.
He cited the handling of gas supply issues that have impacted industry as an example.
According to him, the government will immediately prepare various solutions, including relaxing tax policies, to maintain business activity and reduce the risk of layoffs.
“So, we are working across ministries; we are one team. We are one team; we continue to monitor,” he said.
Yassierli also stated that the government is preparing to launch a Layoff Task Force (Satgas PHK) as part of efforts to strengthen workforce mitigation efforts.
“We’re waiting for the launch of the Layoff Task Force. We’re still waiting for the launch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Manpower, Afriansyah Noor, stated that the government has taken anticipatory measures to address the impact of global uncertainty, including the conflict in the Middle East.
“We are immediately anticipating layoffs that could lead to a large number of unemployed people in Indonesia,” Afriansyah said.
According to him, the current global situation is putting pressure on the economies of many countries, including Indonesia. Therefore, the government is continuously monitoring developments to minimize the impact on the labor market.
In addition to mitigation measures, the government is also expanding programs to improve workforce competency. The National Internship Program quota has been increased from 100,000 to 150,000 participants by 2026 to help new graduates gain work experience and improve their skills.
“So, for 2026, the President, through the Ministry of Manpower, will also open approximately 150,000 vacancies, God willing,” Afriansyah explained.
The government is also opening a quota of 70,000 national vocational training through job training centers. This program is expected to strengthen the quality of human resources while maintaining the resilience of the national labor market amidst the ever-growing challenges of the global economy.