Indonesia Not Facing Mass Layoffs, Minister of Manpower Urges Media to Deliver Valid Information
Jakarta – The government has denied reports that Indonesia is experiencing a wave of mass layoffs. Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli emphasized that not all information circulating about layoffs is accurate.
“There are some companies where, according to media reports, layoffs were said to have occurred. However, after verification, not all of them were true. For example, in the case of Mayora, the reports were incorrect. In fact, some companies reported to be laying off workers have actually increased their workforce,” said Yassierli.
The Minister of Manpower urged the media to present valid information and ensure the accuracy of data before reporting on mass layoffs.
“We need media support to view this information comprehensively. The validity of circulating information must be maintained,” he stated.
This statement aligns with data presented by Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.
On March 4, 2025, Agus stated that the domestic manufacturing industry is actually growing and absorbing more workers than the number of layoffs occurring.
According to data from the National Industrial Information System (SIINas) for 2024, the total number of new jobs created by newly operating manufacturing industries last year reached 1,082,998 workers. This figure is significantly higher than the number of workers laid off in the same period, which stood at 48,345. Moreover, this layoff figure covers all economic sectors, not just the manufacturing industry.
Yassierli added that while some companies are in a contraction phase, many others are experiencing growth.
“This positive message must be conveyed. While we acknowledge that some companies or industries are facing contraction, there are also many that are growing,” he emphasized.
According to him, various factors influence layoffs, including macroeconomic conditions, corporate competitiveness, and company management. However, he remains optimistic that Indonesia’s labor absorption will continue to rise in 2025.
“There are industries and companies that will absorb thousands of workers, and President Prabowo Subianto’s strategic programs will create a significant number of job opportunities. I hope we can all work together to make this a reality,” he concluded.
