By: Dirandra Falguni
The government remains committed to protecting labor-intensive industries and preventing waves of layoffs (PHK), especially amid economic challenges faced by several major companies, including PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex). President Prabowo Subianto has directly given special attention to Sritex’s bankruptcy issues and their impact on thousands of workers. Concrete steps are being taken to find the best solutions to sustain the industry and ensure that workers’ rights are fulfilled.
At a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, March 3, 2025, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the government is not staying idle in addressing the issues affecting PT Sritex workers. President Prabowo has instructed the relevant authorities to seek solutions so that workers continue to receive protection and opportunities to return to work.
According to him, under the President’s directive, the government is very concerned about finding a way out, especially regarding the fate of PT Sritex workers.
The government has coordinated with various parties, including the curatorial team, potential investors, and the Ministry of Manpower, to discuss optimal resolution steps. One option under consideration is the leasing of Sritex’s assets by new investors to keep production running and reabsorb the workforce.
A representative of the PT Sritex curatorial team, Nurma Sadiqin, confirmed that the opportunity to lease these assets aims to maintain the company’s value while providing an opportunity for laid-off workers to return to employment.
Currently, they are in communication with prospective investors. In the next two weeks, the curatorial team will determine who will lease Sritex’s assets to absorb the workforce, including the possibility of rehiring employees affected by layoffs.
On the other hand, the curatorial team is also committed to ensuring that workers’ rights are met, including severance pay and other normative rights, which are currently in the process of being recorded in the claims list.
The decision to lease Sritex’s assets as a solution to revive production has been well received by laid-off workers. The Coordinator of the Sritex Group Workers’ Union, Slamet Kaswanto, expressed great hope that the factory could resume operations soon and that workers could return to their previous jobs.
He hopes that all former Sritex workers affected by layoffs can return to work as before.
This step is expected to provide certainty for thousands of workers who lost their jobs due to the company’s bankruptcy. With the solutions currently being pursued by the government and curators, Sritex workers have new hope for continuing their economic lives.
The government is also continuing to oversee the fulfillment of Sritex workers’ rights. Minister of Manpower Yassierli ensured that layoff compensation, Old Age Security (JHT), and Job Loss Insurance (JKP) would continue to be provided to affected workers.
The Ministry of Manpower appreciates the steps taken by the curators. As previously mentioned, within the next two weeks, workers will start being re-employed. This will certainly provide peace of mind for those affected by layoffs.
Additionally, the Ministry of Manpower has coordinated with the Central Java Provincial Manpower and Transmigration Office and regional manpower offices in the Solo area to map job opportunities for affected workers.
Based on the latest data, they have received information that there are 10,666 job vacancies in Solo and surrounding areas from industries such as garments, plastics, footwear, retail, food and beverages, batik, and service industries. These job vacancies can serve as alternatives for all job seekers, including employees affected by layoffs.
This step shows that the government is not only focused on company recovery but also preparing a mitigation scheme for workers who need new jobs.
Additionally, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights by providing easy access to priority claim services for Old Age Security (JHT) for PT Sritex employees affected by layoffs. This measure is a concrete manifestation of the state’s presence through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan in ensuring workers’ welfare even in difficult situations.
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan President Director Anggoro Eko Cahyo, while inspecting the priority services opened at PT Sritex, stated that the services provided are a form of concern in response to the current situation.
The government’s support in handling Sritex’s bankruptcy demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting labor-intensive industries and preventing mass layoffs. With the solutions being pursued, such as leasing company assets to new investors and opening alternative job opportunities, it is hoped that workers affected by layoffs will be able to return to work soon.
The strategic steps taken by the government also prove that labor protection and industrial stability will remain top priorities in national economic policy. The government is not only working to save the company but also ensuring that worker welfare remains a primary concern in every decision made.
With the collaboration between the government, investors, and labor unions, it is hoped that the best solutions can be realized soon so that labor-intensive industries like Sritex can resume operations and benefit many workers in Indonesia.
) Contributor at Beritakapuas.com*
