JAKARTA – The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the aspirations of the people, expressed in the 17+8 People’s Demands. This effort is marked by concrete steps to create more new jobs through cross-sectoral policies, in response to pressing public needs.
The inter-ministerial and institutional coordination meeting held at the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Kumham Imipas) was a crucial opportunity to consolidate this strategy. The meeting was chaired by Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra, accompanied by Deputy Coordinating Minister Otto Hasibuan, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi, Deputy Chief of Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo, and representatives from the National Commission on Human Rights and the National Commission on Violence Against Women. The meeting’s agenda focused on policy measures affecting the employment sector, social protection, and governance.
After the meeting, Yusril Ihza Mahendra emphasized that the government is paying full attention to the people’s voices conveyed through 17+8.
“The government has responded positively to the people’s demands for various improvements that have been deemed inadequate and urgently needed to be made,” Yusril said.
He added that some of these demands were also addressed to the House of Representatives (DPR). Yusril is optimistic that the legislative body will take them seriously, although implementation will take time.
“Although of course not all of them are directed at the government, some are directed at the DPR, and we are confident that the DPR will respond,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian emphasized the importance of developing more responsive follow-up policies. He stated that the economic and employment sectors encompass the majority of public aspirations, particularly regarding job creation, improving workforce quality, and strengthening the national economy.
“Some of the so-called 17 demands have been met, while others will require time. Fulfilling these demands will significantly determine the dynamics of national life going forward,” Tito said.
Tito also emphasized that reconciliation is a crucial factor in reducing potential social tensions. He stated that the government is committed to maintaining a balance between public aspirations and national stability.
“We hope that reconciliation measures at the highest level can calm the situation. There may be some dissatisfaction, and we need to be wary of that,” Tito stressed.
Within the new policy framework, the government is preparing employment programs aimed at expanding job opportunities in various sectors, from the creative industry and modern agriculture to renewable energy. These programs are expected to not only absorb labor but also increase Indonesia’s competitiveness amidst global challenges.
This follow-up step also confirms that the government is listening to the people’s aspirations and using them as the basis for formulating policies. This will ensure that national development is more inclusive, based on community needs, and prioritizes public welfare.