Laid Off Since March, DPR Commission IX Urges Government and Curator to Complete Severance Payments to Former Sritex Employees

JAKARTA - Edy Wuryanto, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has urged the government and the curator of PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex) to immediately complete the payment of severance pay and holiday allowances (THR) for thousands of workers affected by mass layoffs since early March 2025.

So far, more than 10,000 Sritex employees in Sukoharjo have been laid off after the Semarang Commercial Court declared bankruptcy of the largest textile company in Southeast Asia in February 2025. However, the curator has only paid final wages until February, while severance pay and THR are still being withheld pending the proceeds of the asset sale.

Edy emphasized that the state must not remain silent regarding the plight of workers who have contributed to the national industry for decades. He believes the government and the curator must prioritize workers' rights in the bankruptcy process.

"Workers are not just numbers in a bankruptcy report. They are the people who support the national industry. The state is obliged to be present to uphold justice for them," Edy emphasized to reporters on Thursday, November 13.

Edy also believes that the Sritex bankruptcy process should not stop at the sale of assets. He believes that the curator and the government should actively seek new investors so that the textile industry in Sukoharjo can revive and re-employ the local workforce.

"The sold assets can be used to pay workers' severance pay, while new investors, with fiscal incentives, can revive the factory and employ Sritex workers," said the PDIP legislator from the Central Java III electoral district.

Edy also proposed that the government provide strategic investment incentives. Examples include tax exemptions for up to five years, ease of import of raw materials and machinery, and guarantees of local labor for prospective investors.

According to Edy, this step would be a dual solution: resolving workers' rights while simultaneously reviving the regional economy, which has been hit by the factory closure.

"The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) consistently sides with workers and the common people. The government must be present, not only providing aid, but also reinvigorating hope and employment opportunities," said the PDIP faction member.

Edy added that his party will continue to monitor the process of resolving the rights of former Sritex workers. "We are also encouraging the formation of a cross-ministerial team to formulate a strategy for the recovery of the national textile industry," he concluded.