By: Krishna Aditya Nugraha
Amidst various issues circulating, the narrative of a massive wave of layoffs (PHK) in Indonesia should be viewed with greater clarity. In reality, the data and concrete actions taken by the government show that such concerns are unfounded.
The national economy remains stable, with continuous growth, and the policies being implemented focus on creating new job opportunities and protecting workers. Therefore, it is essential for all parties, including the media and the public, to view the situation from a more objective perspective and avoid being swayed by misleading narratives.
The government emphasizes that the issue of mass layoffs in Indonesia does not fully reflect the reality on the ground. Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, explained that not all information circulating about layoffs can be verified. He gave an example of several companies reported to have laid off workers, but after verification, these companies had actually increased their workforce. One of these examples is Mayora, which hired more workers despite earlier reports suggesting layoffs.
The government continues to commit to maintaining labor market stability through various strategic initiatives. Several industrial sectors still show positive performance, and some even experienced significant growth, contributing to the creation of new jobs. Data from the National Industry Information System (SIINas) shows that in 2024, the manufacturing sector absorbed 1,082,998 new workers. This number is far greater than the 48,345 workers who were laid off during the same period. Moreover, the number of layoffs affects all sectors of the economy, not just the manufacturing industry.
The Minister of Manpower also calls on the media to present valid information and verify the data before reporting on mass layoffs. He emphasized the crucial role of the media in maintaining information accuracy so that the public is not influenced by unverified news. This statement was also supported by the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, who pointed out that the domestic manufacturing industry continues to grow and is able to absorb more workers compared to the number of layoffs that occurred.
The business world also shows strong resilience amid global challenges. Although some sectors are making adjustments due to global economic dynamics, this does not automatically mean there is a massive wave of layoffs. On the contrary, many companies are adapting by opening new lines of business, optimizing their workforce, and improving their competitiveness in the international market. This demonstrates that the Indonesian labor sector still has a solid foundation and is capable of adapting to changes.
The government’s proactive policies in supporting the business world are also a major factor in preventing massive layoffs. Tax incentives, ease of doing business, and workforce skill enhancement programs are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the labor market.
The government also continues to encourage investments that directly impact job creation, both from domestic and foreign sectors. Various ongoing strategic projects are tangible evidence that Indonesia continues to grow and open up opportunities for workers in various fields.
It is important to understand that challenges in the world of work are not new. In every economic shift, there are always dynamics that must be faced. However, with the right policies and cooperation between the government, business actors, and the public, these challenges can be overcome effectively. In this context, the media plays a crucial role in presenting credible and balanced information. Providing data-driven and factual news is necessary so that the public does not fall into unwarranted anxiety.
In this fast-paced digital era, the spread of inaccurate information can cause unnecessary panic. Therefore, the media is expected to be at the forefront of disseminating trustworthy news and supporting public optimism. Similarly, the public should be more selective in receiving information and not easily influenced by rumors that may not be true. By doing so, the narratives built can positively impact social and economic stability as a whole.
The public is also expected to understand the difference between global trends and the actual national situation. Sometimes, issues about layoffs in other countries are mistakenly assumed to be happening in Indonesia as well. Therefore, the role of the media in educating the public is crucial, especially in delivering facts based on accurate data. The government has prepared various strategies to maintain stable economic growth, so the public need not be influenced by unverified information.
We all have a responsibility to maintain labor market stability and foster optimism within society. By considering the available data and facts, and supporting the positive measures taken by the government, we can ensure that Indonesia remains on a path of sustainable growth. Therefore, let us all work together to spread credible and optimistic information for the betterment of the nation.
The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
