Old Age Guarantee (JHT) Claims Wait For 56 Years, DPR: If They Are Affected By Layoffs Then Just Daily Life Is Very Difficult

JAKARTA - Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR) considers that the government needs to re-evaluate the Regulation of the Minister of Manpower Number 2 of 2022 concerning Procedures and Requirements for Payment of Old Age Security Benefits (JHT). Following the many rejections from the community, especially the workers.

Because, in the regulation, it is stated that JHT benefits will be given to BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (BP Jamsostek) participants aged 56 years. Well, this rule is rejected.

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives of PPP faction, Anas Thahir, said the evaluation was important so that this new regulation would not have a negative impact on the living conditions of Indonesian workers who are currently facing a difficult situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It seems that the government only prioritizes considerations of juridical an-sich aspects in the preparation of this regulation. Whereas before issuing regulations, the government should first conduct an in-depth and comprehensive study, both from the juridical, sociological, philosophical, and economic aspects", said Anas to reporters on Sunday, February 13th.

According to Anas, the government, especially the Minister of Manpower, Ida Fauziah, must really look at the factual conditions faced by Indonesian workers or laborers today. Where, she said, the economic resilience of the community was very vulnerable and was below the average number, in fact there were still many whose salaries were below the minimum wage.

"This means that if they are affected by layoffs, it is very difficult to meet the needs of their families and daily life", said Anas.

The secretary of the PPP Advisory Council reminded that the government must be clear about the current situation. The reason is, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Indonesian workers have been affected by layoffs. Moreover, workers only take their own money instead of asking the government for subsidies.

"Even though many workers or laborers make JHT claims, there is no need to worry, the government will be able to pay by any means. And I still believe the government will not go bankrupt just because JHT claims are high. After all, it is their own money", said the legislator for the East Java III electoral district.

Anas added that the government's logic must be corrected in seeing the benefits of JHT for workers. Because waiting for the age of 56 to be able to withdraw their own money is the same as delaying the welfare of the citizens.

"Looking at the usefulness principle of JHT, the logic must be corrected, that to bring prosperity to the community, they do not have to wait for old age. If JHT claims can only be disbursed after the age of 56, then when will they enjoy life", he said.