By: Aurellia Syahputri )*
The government continues to show seriousness in handling employment issues that are of public concern, especially related to the threat of layoffs. Strategic steps are taken comprehensively to ensure workforce stability amidst global economic pressures.
Through various responsive and adaptive policies, the government seeks to maintain the momentum of job growth. The approach is not only done reactively, but also designed in a structured manner to address long-term challenges.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, said that his party has prepared various concrete solutions to prevent a wave of layoffs, with the main focus on increasing labor absorption through innovative programs.
One of the programs that is run massively is the holding of a national job fair. This activity is a real form of government presence in bringing together job seekers and job providers directly.
A total of 53,000 jobs are offered through this job fair, especially in the Jabodetabek area which is the center of industry and economic activity. The presence of these job opportunities provides new hope for job seekers from various backgrounds.
In addition to the job fair, a national apprenticeship program is also being rolled out to create new entrepreneurs. This training is aimed at young people so that they are able to be economically independent and create job opportunities in the informal sector.
This approach is seen as very crucial in the long term. By strengthening the informal sector through young entrepreneurs, the government directly encourages economic independence and social resilience of the community.
The government also relies on various strategic programs such as industrial downstreaming, free nutritious meals, and food self-sufficiency. These programs are projected to be able to absorb thousands of workers from various levels of society.
The existence of large companies such as BYD, Adidas, Daikin, and Yohong that are still actively recruiting workers is proof that the national business climate is still conducive. This gives a positive signal that job opportunities remain open.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that although it is not yet certain how many layoffs will occur throughout 2025, optimism regarding job growth remains high and is the main focus of national employment policy.
In the face of a possible storm of layoffs, the Ministry of Manpower is taking an active role on the front lines. Collaboration between job fairs, entrepreneurship training, and cross-sector support is believed to be able to dampen the turmoil in the world of work.
However, the success of this strategy is highly dependent on the synergy of all parties. Business, workers, and government must unite in creating sustainable national economic stability.
On the other hand, great attention is also given to the Textile and Textile Products (TPT) industry sector, which has been a labor-intensive sector and vulnerable to global fluctuations.
For this reason, the Chief Executive of OJK Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, said that cross-sector collaboration is key to forming a healthy, competitive, and sustainable TPT industry ecosystem.
OJK has taken concrete steps by strengthening sustainable financing in the TPT sector. This aims to ensure that the national textile industry is able to withstand the pressures caused by the onslaught of imported products and the weakening export market.
In addition to financing, strategic solutions are also directed at reducing logistics costs. This aims to ensure that national textile products have high competitiveness in the global market, on par with other major exporting countries.
Efforts made by OJK in strengthening the textile sector are in line with the government’s strategy in preventing mass layoffs, especially in labor-intensive industries. By providing sustainable financing and encouraging logistics efficiency, the government ensures that the industry continues to operate optimally and does not need to reduce the number of workers.
Export market diversification is an important concern for the government and industry players to reduce dependence on single markets such as the United States and China. This effort is carried out by expanding the market network to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as an adaptive step to face the challenges of deglobalization that obscure the principles of international trade justice.
Through the Indonesia Incorporated approach, the synergy between government, industry, banking, and state-owned enterprises is strengthened to create a resilient and competitive industrial ecosystem. This step not only strengthens the resilience of the textile sector, but also opens up new job opportunities inclusively, thus contributing significantly to preventing mass layoffs in labor-intensive sectors.
The strategic steps that have been and are being implemented by the government, supported by institutions such as the Financial Services Authority (OJK), show a strong commitment to creating a conducive and sustainable work climate. Sustainable financing and innovation in labor-intensive sectors are top priorities to maintain the continuity of the industry while reducing the risk of mass layoffs.
The success of this effort depends heavily on effective and sustainable cross-sector collaboration. With joint support, Indonesia can build inclusive economic resilience and open up more job opportunities, so that workforce growth can be balanced with the ever-changing dynamics of the global economy.
The government also continues to encourage human resource development through training and skills improvement, so that the Indonesian workforce is ready to face the challenges of the modern industrial era.
With a strong commitment and close cross-sector collaboration, the government’s steps in preventing layoffs are expected to have a positive impact on social stability and national economic growth. This also strengthens Indonesia’s position as a country with a dynamic and adaptive labor market.
)* The author is a Malang student living in Jakarta