Jakarta – The government through the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) has ensured that there will be no layoffs of BUMN employees, even though the ministry is currently implementing budget efficiency.
This step is a form of government commitment to maintaining the stability of the national workforce amidst global economic dynamics.
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir emphasized that protection for workers, including supporting positions such as cleaners and security guards, remains a priority.
“There has been no reduction in employees until today. We also try to maintain office boys and security guards with the existing budget,” said Erick.
In addition, a number of employee facilities that are considered important are also maintained even though the budget has been adjusted. Erick stated that performance allowances cannot be increased, but facilities such as health clinics and daycare are still maintained to support employee welfare.
“We continue to protect employee facilities such as clinics, daycare, and others,” he continued.
The government is also collaborating with the Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI) to open up employment opportunities through strategic investment management.
Danantara Managing Director, Djamal Attamimi, said that the projects to be managed, such as the 3 Million Homes Program, could absorb a lot of workers.
“Danantara also supports the 3 million homes program and to do all that, the number of workers needed is quite high,” he explained.
According to Djamal, in addition to the labor-intensive infrastructure sector, the digital sector will also absorb a lot of labor in the future.
“If you look at it, the digital sector has more computers. But actually, the derivatives for digital infrastructure are labor-intensive and require the absorption of labor,” he explained.
Although still in the analysis stage, he assessed that the projection of workforce absorption was quite positive in various sectors.
Meanwhile, Danantara COO, Dony Oskaria, explained that his party was currently reviewing 888 state-owned companies.
This process aims to streamline the business structure to make it more efficient and competitive.
“We are reviewing our 888 BUMNs. We are reprofiling the business and turning around and some may close,” he said.
This effort is expected to produce healthier, stronger SOEs, and be able to become the driving force for job growth, while strengthening contributions to the national economy.