Government Optimistic National Industry Can Prevent Layoffs and Create New Job Opportunities

Jakarta – Amid the threat of layoffs (PHK) in some sectors, the government reaffirms that the national industry remains strong.

Hasan Nasbi, Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), stated that the performance of the domestic industry continues to show improvement. This is reflected in the increase of Indonesia’s Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) in February 2025, which reached 53.6, up from 51.9 in January 2025.

“It seems that this month our PMI has risen to 53, from 51. Check the data. Our PMI has increased from 51 to 53. This should be appreciated as a positive development in the industrial context,” said Hasan Nasbi.

According to Hasan, the improved industrial performance aligns with the creation of new job opportunities. Although some companies may face layoffs, job opportunities remain open as the industrial sector grows.

“If we look at the results, there are new job opportunities. Some companies may close, but look at the creation of new jobs. If you compare, there are more new jobs created than layoffs,” he explained.

Hasan emphasized that the increase in PMI is a positive indicator for both industry and national employment. “If our PMI rises, it means the creation of new jobs is going well,” he added.

Regarding assistance for workers affected by layoffs, Hasan assured that the government has prepared various social protection schemes. In addition to severance pay, affected workers can access the Job Loss Guarantee Program (JKP) as an economic safety net.

“The government has also prepared actions for Sritex employees who have been affected. There will be measures to help them, including specific schemes to assist them,” Hasan concluded.

With positive trends in the industrial sector, the government remains optimistic that the national economy will continue to progress and maintain a balance between creating new job opportunities and addressing the challenges of layoffs.