By: Lestari Widyaningsih )*
Amid the dynamics of the national textile industry, the government’s response to the bankruptcy of PT Sritex shows how labor resolution can be carried out constructively without the need for demonstrations that have the potential to worsen the situation. The conducive attitude shown by workers and labor unions is an example of how industrial relations in Indonesia are increasingly mature in resolving labor challenges. This success emphasizes the importance of communication, coordination, and cooperation between the government, investors, and workers in overcoming the impact of the bankruptcy of a large company such as PT Sritex.
The government’s steps in dealing with the impact of mass layoffs at PT Sritex have received appreciation from various parties. Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, ensured that workers affected by the layoffs will return to work in the near future. This solution is the result of collective efforts by the government, investors, and the curator team in ensuring the economic sustainability of affected workers. The success of negotiations carried out by the government with various parties shows that workforce stability can be maintained even though the company faces major challenges. This step also proves that good synergy between various stakeholders can produce policies that are oriented towards worker welfare and industrial sustainability.
In the recovery process of PT Sritex, the role of the curator team is very crucial. The Curator Team of PT Sritex, Nurma Sadikin, revealed that the new investor who will take over the company is ready to re-recruit workers affected by layoffs. This provides new hope for thousands of workers who previously lost their jobs due to the company’s bankruptcy. The curator team also ensures that workers’ rights are still fulfilled, including severance pay and other welfare guarantees. With the updated business scheme, PT Sritex is expected to be able to operate more healthily and make a positive contribution to the national textile industry.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, emphasized that the government has encouraged intensive communication with potential investors to ensure that the transition process of PT Sritex ownership runs smoothly. Leasing the company’s assets is one of the main strategies in maintaining operational stability and protecting workers who were previously affected by the company’s bankruptcy. The government also emphasized that protecting workers remains a top priority in every decision taken. With a targeted policy, the risk of social unrest due to mass layoffs can be minimized, thus creating a more stable and conducive work environment.
On the other hand, the decision of the labor unions not to hold a demonstration reflects the maturity of industrial relations in Indonesia. The President of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPN), Ristadi, stated that the advocacy and negotiation approach is more effective in resolving this issue. With good communication between the labor unions and the government, a faster and fairer solution can be achieved without the need for demonstrations that have the potential to worsen the situation. This is proof that the mechanism for resolving industrial relations disputes through dialogue and negotiation can be the best solution for all parties. This decision also reflects that the labor unions increasingly understand the importance of stability in the world of work for the long-term interests of workers.
The importance of stability in the employment sector not only affects workers and companies, but also the national economy as a whole. When a large company like PT Sritex experiences financial problems, the impact is not only felt by workers, but also by other related sectors, such as raw material suppliers, distributors, and the textile export sector. Therefore, the government’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of the company and the protection of workers are strategic steps that must continue to be strengthened.
In addition, investor confidence is also an aspect that must be considered in the recovery of PT Sritex. The government’s success in ensuring the continuity of the company’s operations will be an important indicator for potential investors in assessing the investment climate in Indonesia. If the government is able to provide guarantees of employment stability and legal certainty, then investor interest in investing in the textile industry sector will increase. This can open up new job opportunities for the community and encourage the growth of the manufacturing industry more broadly.
Not only that, the government can also learn from the PT Sritex case to formulate better regulations in anticipating the possibility of bankruptcy in the future. By strengthening the labor protection system and creating more effective mitigation mechanisms, the government can ensure that the social impact of corporate bankruptcy can be minimized. This step will provide certainty for workers that their rights remain protected despite facing difficult economic challenges.
Maintaining stability and rejecting provocation are the steps that must be prioritized in facing employment challenges. With a conducive attitude, the solutions designed by the government can be implemented more effectively. This structured handling proves that a communication and collaboration-based approach can create better solutions without the need for turmoil that can harm all parties. In the future, the synergy between the government, workers, and investors is expected to continue to be strengthened to ensure the sustainability of the national textile industry and the welfare of workers in Indonesia. If this kind of resolution model continues to be implemented, it is not impossible that Indonesia can become an example in managing harmonious industrial relations that are oriented towards common interests.
)* The author is a labor observer
