By: Dhita Karuniawati
The government is giving serious attention to saving employees of PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex) who were laid off and officially stopped working as of March 1, 2025. One of the efforts is to re-employ them as soon as possible, within the next two weeks. The government is considering various rescue schemes, including the possibility of involving State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) in taking over Sritex. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that President Prabowo Subianto is fully committed to ensuring a favorable outcome for the affected workers of PT Sri Rejeki Isman (Sritex).
President Prabowo Subianto has instructed his ministers in the Merah Putih Cabinet to quickly find a solution to rescue PT Sritex workers who have been affected by mass layoffs. Prabowo is highly concerned about the potential impact on Sritex employees. As a result, a new investor is ready to take over PT Sritex’s assets, allowing workers to resume employment within the next two weeks. President Prabowo Subianto has held an important meeting with several ministers and representatives of PT Sritex at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The meeting discussed the effects of the mass layoffs affecting thousands of employees. Present at the meeting were Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, the Curatorial Team, and the Coordinator of the PT Sritex Workers’ Union.
The government is currently implementing several measures to assist Sritex employees, including creating new job opportunities through industrial sector expansion and BUMN initiatives to accommodate former Sritex workers. Additionally, training and re-skilling programs are being prepared to help workers adapt to new labor market demands. The government is also ensuring that all rights of laid-off employees are fulfilled by Sritex.
Meanwhile, PT Sritex’s Curatorial Team has opened options for the recovery of former Sritex employees affected by the bankruptcy ruling. One of the solutions includes leasing Sritex’s assets to investors. PT Sritex curator Nurma Sadikin stated that they have opened leasing opportunities for heavy equipment to maintain the bankrupt estate and preserve asset value. So far, the curatorial team has been in discussions with several investors, and within two weeks, they will decide who will lease Sritex’s assets. According to Nurma Sadikin, this step aims to prevent asset devaluation and increase the value of the bankrupt company. Additionally, the leasing investors will absorb workers who were previously laid off.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli appreciated the curators’ efforts, ensuring that within two weeks, former Sritex employees could be re-employed. This initiative is expected to provide relief for the affected workers. The government is committed to guaranteeing Sritex workers’ rights, including Old Age Security (JHT) and Job Loss Insurance (JKP). Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that his ministry will oversee the fulfillment of these rights to ensure workers can benefit from them.
February 28, 2025, marked the final day for thousands of textile factory workers at PT Sritex to enter their workplace, where they had earned their livelihoods for years. The legendary textile company, located in Sukoharjo, Central Java, officially ceased operations following a ruling by the supervisory judge at the Semarang Commercial Court, declaring PT Sritex bankrupt during a creditors’ meeting. The crisis faced by Sritex highlights the major challenges confronting Indonesia’s textile industry, including global competition and import policies that impact local businesses. The government continues to evaluate policies to ensure the sector remains competitive and capable of absorbing a large workforce.
The mass layoffs at Sritex present a significant challenge for Indonesia’s labor sector. However, with President Prabowo’s swift response and support from various stakeholders, the best solutions are expected to be found to protect the thousands of affected workers. With the government and relevant parties working toward solutions, it is hoped that the impact of Sritex’s closure can be minimized and that affected workers will soon find a resolution to their situation.
*) The author is a Contributor at the Institute for Strategic Information Studies (Lembaga Studi Informasi Strategis Indonesia)
