Jokowi Government Committed to Improving the Quality of Workforce and MSMEs Through Job Creation Law
By: Anjas Siahaan
President Jokowi’s government continues to be committed and fully supports the realization of quality improvements for workers and also Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the Job Creation Law.
The government’s strong commitment to continue improving the quality of workers and MSMEs is realized with the implementation of the Job Creation Law, which is also widely known as the Omnibus Law. Not without reason, because after the ratification of the law, it was able to create a more conducive business climate. In addition, investment also continues to increase in Indonesia, and can open up more jobs for the community.
In this context, the role of the government is very vital to ensure that workers and MSMEs can feel the real benefits of the ratification and implementation of this policy.
The Job Creation Law includes various policies aimed at improving the quality of the Indonesian workforce. One important aspect is improving skills through vocational training and education.
The government, in collaboration with the private sector and educational institutions, continues to encourage training programs that are relevant to current industry needs. With proper training, it is hoped that Indonesian workers will have better skills and be ready to compete in the global market.
In addition, the Job Creation Law also introduces more flexible policies in terms of employment relations. For example, the provisions regarding Fixed-Term Employment Agreements (PKWT) and casual workers have been adjusted to provide legal certainty for both workers and employers. This is expected to create a fairer and more just work environment, as well as increase workforce productivity.
The Director General of Industrial Relations and Social Security for Workers at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemennaker), Indah Anggoro Putri explained that the Job Creation Law is indeed aimed at improving the quality of the workforce in the country.
No half-hearted measures, in fact the government has made the substance of employment included in the Job Creation Law. Not only quality, but also increased protection for workers, as well as providing expanded employment opportunities through investment and ensuring business continuity.
This is because the Omnibus Law policy set also does not degrade the rights of workers at all. Because the collective work agreement continues to be the highest positive law in the company.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said that the presence of the Job Creation Law is very beneficial, especially in the midst of the current global economic situation which is indeed uncertain.
Various derivatives of the Job Creation Law have become clear programs and policies that are able to further accelerate efforts to restore the economy in Indonesia and bring many great benefits to mitigate the impact of economic dynamics.
When discussing the role of the Omnibus Law in fully supporting MSME actors, it turns out that it is not impossible for their partnership with large businesses to be realized.
The existence of this partnership is clearly also stated in the Job Creation Law to eliminate extreme poverty in Indonesia. The President’s Special Staff (Stafsus) for Economic Affairs, Arif Budimanta explained that indeed the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has a target of being able to eliminate extreme poverty in the country to zero percent.
This set of policies allows for a very even situation, so that no one is left behind. Therefore, efforts to eliminate extreme poverty are very important, especially in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Head of State really hopes that partnerships can be built more solidly in Indonesia, which also involve large entrepreneurs with MSMEs.
MSMEs are the backbone of the Indonesian economy, and support for this sector is a priority in the Job Creation Law. The government is implementing various strategic steps to strengthen MSMEs, including ease of business licensing, access to financing, and protection of intellectual property rights.
By simplifying licensing procedures, MSMEs can now easily apply for business licenses without having to go through complicated and time-consuming bureaucracy. In addition, with the ease of doing business policy, the government provides tax incentives for MSMEs, so that they can allocate greater resources for business development.
The implementation of the Job Creation Law is a step forward in President Jokowi’s government’s efforts to continue to improve the quality of the workforce and fully support MSME actors in Indonesia.
Through various inclusive policies and programs, the government has a very strong commitment to creating a much better business climate, including increasing investment and opening up many more jobs.
Thus, it is not impossible that the welfare of workers and MSMEs can continue to increase, which in turn will also be able to encourage the realization of national economic growth.
*) Bahana Sekuritas Business Analyst
