Unemployment Of Layoff Victims Must Be Given A New Skills And Assistance Training To Find 'Markers'

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the fate of victims of termination of employment (PHK) who never got a new job. He also emphasized the importance of the Government's collaboration with industry players to help overcome unemployment problems in Indonesia.

"The government can provide assistance to workers affected by layoffs, such as skills training and job finding assistance. Companies can create jobs by opening investment and developing new technology," said Puan, Wednesday, August 23.

"Efforts like this not only provide new hope for thousands of workers who have lost their jobs, but also have a positive impact on the national economic recovery," continued the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI.

Puan also supports the Government's efforts through the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) which approaches entrepreneurs in Indonesia to pay attention to workers affected by layoffs. Especially companies that are growing positively.

"The commitment of the State to guarantee the rights of its citizens to get jobs and a decent living must be supported by the role of industry players. We hope that this good approach can produce collaboration to reduce unemployment in the country," explained Puan.

According to data from the Ministry of Manpower, the number of layoffs in Indonesia in 2022 is 25,114 people. Meanwhile, in the previous year it reached 127,085 people. Puan encouraged the Government to intensify efforts to reduce the number of layoffs in 2023.

"Although there has been a decrease in the number of years, the absorption of workers for layoffs is still not optimal. The Government's efforts to form the workforce needed by business actors can also reduce the number of unemployed," he said.

Furthermore, Puan highlighted the increase in Indonesia's economic growth which has the potential to create new jobs. This is because companies that grow healthy will require the production of more goods and services to meet increasing demand.

This opportunity must be utilized by the Government so that economic growth can create new jobs, especially for layoff victims. Workers who are victims of layoffs will have more opportunities to get new jobs in developing companies," explained Puan.

On the other hand, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture appreciated the Government's efforts to create a safe work environment from all forms of sexual violence. Puan also supports the Government's firmness which encourages industry players to implement the Ministerial Decree No. 88 of 2023 concerning Guidelines for Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Workplaces.

"To reduce the number of sexual violence in the workplace, there must be a commitment from business actors. The government must also be diligent in conducting socialization related to these regulations, which are accompanied by efforts from the company's management to educate its employees about preventing acts of sexual violence," he explained.

Puan hopes that the company leadership will create a work environment that supports gender equality. This includes supporting female workers who often experience discrimination in the workplace.

"If there are unscrupulous employees who abuse women, the company must be at the forefront of determining their stance and giving strict sanctions. So, it will be a valuable lesson for all employees," said Puan.

Puan also invited all stakeholders, both the Government, companies, trade unions, and the community, to work together in creating a safe and sustainable work environment for women.

"Empowering women in the economy is the same as supporting the progress of the country because women are agents of national development," concluded Bung Karno's grandson.