By: Arief Santoso )*
The government has shown a strong commitment to addressing the impact of PT Sritex’s bankruptcy on workers. A number of concrete steps have been taken to ensure that workers’ rights are met and to create sustainable solutions for the national textile industry. This approach that prioritizes economic stability is a form of the state’s concern for the welfare of workers and the sustainability of the business world. This decision also reflects the government’s seriousness in maintaining a balance between the interests of workers and the sustainability of the textile industry, which is one of the strategic sectors in the national economy.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli confirmed that workers affected by layoffs will return to work within two weeks. This certainty provides peace of mind for thousands of employees who have been relying on PT Sritex for their livelihood. This step was taken after President Prabowo Subianto gathered various parties to find the best solution. The government also ensures that this process is monitored thoroughly so that all workers’ rights can be granted in accordance with applicable regulations. With this certainty, the government wants to emphasize that worker protection is a top priority in national employment policy. The government wants to ensure that every worker gets their rights in accordance with applicable provisions, including severance pay, allowances, and other rights that may arise due to company restructuring.
In the settlement process, the curator team also plays an important role. The Curator Team of PT Sritex, Nurma Sadikin, stated that the process of re-recruiting employees affected by layoffs will be a priority for new investors. The leasing of company assets by investors aims to maintain operational stability and prepare a better business scheme in the future. Workers who were previously affected by layoffs will be re-registered so that they can immediately return to work according to the capacity needed. In addition, a more modern and adaptive business scheme is expected to increase the competitiveness of the national textile industry in the global market. This restructuring is also expected to be able to create new job opportunities and increase production efficiency so that the company can compete with textile industries from other countries.
The government also encourages PT Sritex to continue operating in the textile sector with a renewed business approach. Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, said that communication with investors has been ongoing to ensure that the company’s management transfer runs smoothly. Support for the textile industry continues to be provided as part of the national economic recovery strategy. In addition, the government also encourages other textile companies to diversify their products to strengthen the industry’s resilience amidst global challenges. With this diversification, the national textile industry is expected to be more resilient to fluctuations in global demand and changes in market trends.
Not only that, the government also collaborates with various ministries and related institutions to strengthen the national textile industry ecosystem. This step includes fiscal policies that support the industry, providing incentives for investors who want to develop businesses in the textile sector, and increasing workforce capacity through training and skills certification. Thus, the affected workforce can not only return to work but also have better skills in facing industry competition.
This condition reflects conducive industrial relations, where workers, labor unions, and the government choose a solution-oriented approach rather than actions that could worsen the situation. The President of the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPN), Ristadi, emphasized that his party did not hold a demonstration because the situation remained under control. Advocacy and negotiation strategies were chosen as the main steps in dealing with this situation, reflecting maturity in resolving labor issues in Indonesia. This is an example that constructive and solution-based dialogue is more effective than confrontational actions. With good communication between workers, management, and the government, problem solving can be done more quickly and benefit all parties.
In addition, the government is also encouraging synergy between the private sector and financial institutions to support the revitalization of the textile industry. Flexible financing schemes and tax incentives for new investors are among the strategic steps being prepared. It is hoped that these steps can create a more conducive investment climate for the textile industry and create more jobs in the future. The government is also opening up opportunities for cooperation with textile industries abroad to increase market access for Indonesian textile products. This is expected to expand exports and make the national textile industry more competitive at the global level.
With a systematic approach, the government has proven its seriousness in ensuring the welfare of workers. This effort not only secures the fate of PT Sritex employees, but also sets a positive precedent for other industries in facing similar challenges in the future. Success in handling this case can be a reference for various other industrial sectors to maintain a balance between company profitability and worker welfare. Thus, the national industry can continue to grow without ignoring the rights of workers, which are one of the main pillars in sustainable economic development. The government hopes that this handling model can be a reference for other industries in developing a more inclusive and competitive business sustainability strategy.
)* The author is an observer of industry and public policy
