By: Fani Amira
Amid global economic uncertainty and the looming threat of recession, the Indonesian government has taken a progressive step by forming the Termination of Employment Task Force (Satgas PHK). This move not only reflects the government’s readiness to respond to labor market emergencies but also demonstrates a real commitment to safeguarding the welfare of workers and the continuity of the national industry.
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the establishment of the Satgas PHK is a form of the state’s responsibility towards the concerns of workers and the increasingly complex labor challenges. He emphasized that this task force is not just a reactive response to the threat of layoffs but also intended to act as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in industrial relations in Indonesia. According to him, this is a commendable step, as it shows a collective awareness that labor issues cannot be handled in a sectoral or one-sided manner.
In this context, the Satgas PHK adopts a more comprehensive approach. It no longer relies solely on short-term solutions such as reducing working hours or providing temporary incentives but instead designs systemic measures rooted in strengthening the resilience of the national industry and improving the adaptive capabilities of the workforce. The task force will respond quickly to threats of layoffs in various sectors, involving central government bodies, labor unions, industry players, academics, and BPJS Employment.
The global situation remains unfavorable. International economic pressures, worsened by high tariff policies from the United States on export products, have had serious impacts on the stability of domestic industries. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the formation of the Satgas PHK is part of a cross-ministerial strategy by the government to maintain the stability of national employment.
He stated that this task force is an anticipatory measure against the rise of mass layoffs since last year. We must also be aware of the ongoing impact of the U.S. import tariff policy, which could decrease the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the global market.
From the workers’ perspective, the Satgas PHK has been welcomed as a progressive step that is urgently needed. Said Iqbal, President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), views the Satgas PHK as a crucial shield to protect workers from the looming threat of layoffs due to global economic fluctuations. According to him, the high tariffs on Indonesian products make exports uncompetitive, thus threatening the continuity of industries and jobs.
Said Iqbal emphasized the importance of the Satgas PHK being cross-sectoral and inclusive. Worker protection, he said, cannot be solely the responsibility of one ministry. There needs to be synergy between the central and regional governments, the business world, and labor unions. The Satgas PHK should not only be reactive, stepping in after layoffs occur but should actively engage in industry risk mapping, offer preventive solutions, and participate in the rehabilitation process for affected workers.
Furthermore, the Satgas PHK is expected to serve as a healthy communication bridge between employers and workers. In the midst of tensions in industrial relations, rapid and responsive mediation is essential to prevent prolonged conflicts that could disrupt the investment climate and national productivity. With the task force directly on the ground, the handling of layoffs can be conducted transparently and fairly, ensuring workers’ rights are protected and preventing social unrest such as strikes.
This move also demonstrates that the government is not remaining passive in the face of significant challenges in the labor sector. On the contrary, the government has chosen to be actively involved, with an integrated, inclusive approach, and a forward-looking perspective. The establishment of the Satgas PHK is a tangible proof that the state is on the side of its people, especially those most vulnerable to the impacts of the economic crisis.
Moreover, the Satgas PHK symbolizes the government’s political courage to acknowledge that labor challenges cannot be resolved using conventional methods. It requires policy innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and the courage to act swiftly and decisively. With the establishment of this task force, Indonesia affirms its commitment not only to pursue economic growth but also to ensure that growth brings justice and sustainability for all, particularly for workers.
What the government is doing through the Satgas PHK reflects leadership that is agile, adaptive, and oriented toward protecting the people. Amid global pressures, not every country has the courage to act as quickly and structured as this. Indonesia, through the Satgas PHK, shows that the state is present for its people, especially those vulnerable to the dynamics of the global economy.
The government has already demonstrated its commitment and concern through strategic actions. The Satgas PHK is not just a technocratic policy but a reflection of the state’s support for the future of Indonesian workers. All elements of society—whether as citizens, business actors, or policymakers—have an important role in ensuring the success of this task force. Support from all parties is necessary to prevent mass layoffs, protect workers’ rights, and ensure that every Indonesian worker has a worthy and hopeful future, safeguarding the nation’s future.