Members Of The House Of Representatives Ask The Government To Protect Workers In The Face Of A Wave Of Layoffs From The Impact Of The Iran-Israeli War

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives Netty Prasetiyani Aher welcomed the Government's move to anticipate potential layoffs (PHK) as an indirect impact of war conflicts in the Middle East.

According to him, coordination of all parties, especially the Government and parliament, is very important to do.

"We understand that the global geopolitical situation can have a broad impact on the employment sector. Therefore, it is important for all parties, including the legislature and executive, to continue to coordinate so that the protection for workers is stronger," said Netty, Wednesday, June 25.

It is known, in addition to the war of Russia and Ukraine that is not yet old, the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran is now heating up, coupled with the involvement of the United States which has the potential to trigger World War III. If a world war occurs, the impact will not only be felt by big countries, but also Indonesia, which is far from the epicenter of the conflict.

The big impact that the Indonesian people may feel, including the price of basic necessities that skyrocketed uncontrollably, the acute energy crisis that resulted in a surge in fuel prices, as well as the threat of mass layoffs and the economy being paralyzed from various sectors including tourism.

Even Indonesia has the potential to experience national security disturbances and health crises and humanitarian disasters.

Therefore, Netty assessed the need for strengthening protection for Indonesian workers, especially in the export and informal sectors that are at high risk of being affected by global dynamics.

"The Job Loss Guarantee (JKP) program is a form of mitigation of the risk of layoffs. However, its implementation in the future must be more targeted and reach workers from various sectors," he explained.

Netty also requested that the JKP program not only provide cash assistance, but also access to job training and placements that really suit the current needs of the world of work.

"There must be a strong collaboration between the Ministry of Manpower and the Manpower Office in the regions in the process of monitoring and handling cases of layoffs, so that there is no delay in response," said Netty.

This member of the DPR's Manpower Commission also encourages the Government to pay special attention to vulnerable working groups that are often not covered by formal protection schemes. Netty highlighted how workers from the informal sector are often neglected.

"There needs to be joint efforts to reach those who have been unprotected, such as daily workers, informal workers, and those who have not been registered in the labor system," he said.

Netty hopes that the steps that have been prepared by the Government can continue to be perfected with synergy with all stakeholders.

"The goal is to ensure the working community remains safe and has hope," he concluded.