By: Risman Batubara )*The government’s commitment to ensuring the rights of workers affected by company bankruptcy continues to be demonstrated with concrete and solution-oriented steps. One real proof of this effort is the direct visit of the Minister of Manpower (Menaker), Yassierli to PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex) in Sukoharjo, Central Java. This step confirms the government’s seriousness in ensuring that workers affected by layoffs (PHK) receive their rights fairly and on time, and still have the opportunity to continue their careers in the industrial sector. During the visit, the main attention was given to the smooth disbursement of workers’ rights, such as Old Age Security (JHT), Job Loss Security (JKP), and post-PHK health insurance protection. The Minister of Manpower emphasized that this resolution was almost 100 percent thanks to cooperation between various parties, including the central and regional governments, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, the Curator Team, and labor unions. The active role of labor unions has also been appreciated for helping to accelerate the process of resolving the rights of affected workers, reflecting a strong synergy in maintaining the welfare of the workforce.
Since the announcement of mass layoffs by the Curator Team at the end of February 2025, the government has continued to strive to provide a comprehensive solution. One of the strategic steps taken is to open opportunities for new investors to take over the company’s operations. With new investors, hope has re-emerged for former Sritex workers to get jobs and restore their economic stability. Minister of Manpower Yassierli welcomed this step, while emphasizing that the government will continue to oversee the smooth transition process and continue to prioritize workers’ welfare.
Not only from the government, support also came from the legislative body. Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Obon Tobroni, emphasized that the DPR continues to monitor and accelerate the disbursement of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan so that workers can immediately receive their rights. According to him, obstacles in the disbursement have been overcome by adding officers and accelerating administration, so that before Eid the entire process is certain to be completed. He also highlighted President Prabowo’s policy of increasing the value of JKP, which was welcomed by workers as a form of government concern for the welfare of the national workforce.
In addition to ensuring the disbursement of social security, the government also oversees other workers’ rights, such as severance pay and holiday allowances (THR). This shows that efforts to protect workers do not stop at the stage of disbursing social security, but also include aspects of long-term welfare. In this case, synergy between the government, the DPR, and labor unions is the main key in creating the best solution for affected workers.
The successful resolution of the Sritex problem is also real evidence of the effectiveness of government policies in providing labor protection. This process shows that the government is not only focused on short-term solutions, but also designs long-term strategies that ensure economic stability for affected workers. Every step taken shows great concern for the fate of workers and the progress of the industrial sector in Indonesia.
Another strategic step taken is to ensure that former Sritex workers get the opportunity to work again in companies that will operate under new management. The government together with the Curator Team continues to strive to create an attractive investment climate for prospective investors, so that company operations can resume and have a positive impact on the local economy. This certainty provides hope for thousands of workers who previously faced uncertainty due to the company’s bankruptcy.
This condition reflects the government’s seriousness in balancing economic interests and the welfare of workers. The bankruptcy of a large company certainly has a wide impact, not only on workers, but also on the supply chain and other industrial sectors. Therefore, the policies taken are not only oriented towards short-term solutions, but also consider long-term economic sustainability.
In the future, a similar approach can be used as a model in handling similar cases that may occur. With cooperation between the government, legislature, and other stakeholders, labor protection amid economic uncertainty can be further strengthened. The resolution of the Sritex case is proof that good coordination between various parties can create effective and equitable solutions.
In addition, the government is also committed to improving labor regulations to be more adaptive to changes in industrial dynamics. Improving labor protection in the face of an economic crisis or company bankruptcy is the main focus inpolicy updates. Regulatory reforms must be able to provide legal certainty for workers while creating a business environment that is conducive to national economic growth.
Policies that favor workers are a key element in maintaining the stability of the national industry. The government’s commitment to ensuring that workers’ rights continue to be fulfilled, both through social security mechanisms and by opening up new job opportunities, is a concrete step in realizing an inclusive economy. Thus, hopes for a more stable and sustainable industrial future are increasingly real, where workers’ welfare is part of the national development strategy.
)* The author is an observer of labor
