By: Abdul Karim)
The new rules for disbursing JHT (old-age insurance) have become a hot topic of discussion because they can only be disbursed after 56 years of age. The Ministry of Manpower replied that the main reason is that this guarantee is for long-term protection, so it is natural that it can only be disbursed at the age of 56 years.
A private worker has the privilege of old age insurance alias JHT which will be obtained later when he retires. So, when it’s time to retire, they don’t have to worry about getting a ‘pocket money’ which is quite large. They are grateful that even though they are not civil servants who receive pensions, they have a handle on old age.
However, a polemic arises when JHT will be given later when all workers are only 56 years old. This is confirmed by Permenaker number 2 of 2022 as a valid legal umbrella. The statement from the Minister of Manpower Siti Fauziyah automatically went viral, because workers were afraid to lose their rights. Though they should not have to worry because the money will not be lost.
Chairul Fadhly, Head of the Ministry of Manpower’s Public Relations Bureau, stated that his party returned the JHT function, namely as a fund prepared so that workers in their old age have assets as a living expense when they are no longer productive. Therefore, JHT money should be received when the worker has retired, is disabled, or dies. This is in accordance with Law number 40 of 2004 concerning the national social security system.
Chairul added, JHT is a long-term protection for workers. However, if they need it, some of the JHT funds can be disbursed prematurely. In a sense, workers can still get their rights and the money will not just disappear before they are 56 years old.
When the JHT regulation can only be disbursed later when the worker is in retirement, then it is indeed a long-term protector. Imagine if JHT could be disbursed at any time, then that much money could just be spent on unproductive things. Then it will be very detrimental. Moreover, if JHT can be taken in part, it is even better because there is protection when the worker retires, because some of the money is still there.
The workers can be relieved because some of the JHT funds can be disbursed. Although not 100% (because they are not yet 56 years old) but still grateful. This indicates that the government is paying attention and they care because the necessities of life can increase at any time, so that they inevitably have to disburse some of the JHT.
JHT is highly expected by private workers because they are not civil servants who depend on pension funds in their old age. With JHT, they can start a new business with that money. So that even though they are retired, there are still activities that are healthy for the body and mind, and are not easily senile. The workers can still work even though they are no longer private employees.
Workers who hold JHT funds are also expected to make the best use of it. In retirement, they are clearly difficult to find new job vacancies (because on average what is needed is workers who have just graduated from college). JHT funds can be used for business capital or long-term investment, and should not be spent on consumptive matters.
The change in the rules for the disbursement of JHT was a bit surprising, but in the end the community understood the reason. JHT is indeed functioned as long-term protection, as a ‘retirement’ fund for private workers who have retired. So later in their old age they will not have financial difficulties and have to work to be able to eat.
)* The author is a contributor to the nusa nation Institute
