Wave of Layoffs Threatens Workers, Commission IX of the DPR asks the Government to Accelerate the Solid Work Program

Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives Asep Romy Romaya highlighted the threat of mass layoffs that haunted tens of thousands of workers in the manufacturing industry sector. He asked the government to immediately intervene in this situation by increasing labor-intensive programs in the short term.

According to Asep Romy, the wave of mass layoffs is not only a severe blow to workers and their families, but also a serious threat to macroeconomic stability because it has the potential to cripple national household consumption.

"This threat cannot be ignored because it concerns the survival of workers and their families. The government must immediately take quick and concrete steps. Increasing labor-intensive programs can be one of the tactical solutions to maintain economic circulation in the region so that it continues to run," Asep Romy told reporters, Wednesday, June 24.

Asep explained that the labor-intensive program has a strategic role in absorbing suddenly unemployed workers quickly. Therefore, he asked the government to expand the scope of this labor-intensive project in various sectors, ranging from the improvement of basic infrastructure, environmental rehabilitation, waste management, to community empowerment projects at the grassroots level.

However, Asep Romy emphasized that labor-intensive work should not just be a temporary source of income. He demands a strong integration between physical projects and skills training programs (skilling) and massive improvement in labor competencies in the regions.

"The government needs to increase job training programs that are in line with industry needs, including involving private job training institutions in addition to government-owned Job Training Center (BLK)," said the West Java Dapil Legislator.

Asep also proposed a breakthrough in the training curriculum for laid-off victims, namely the insertion of intensive foreign language skills improvement materials. This step is considered important to open the faucet of new opportunities in the global market.

"It is hoped that there will be a training curriculum to improve foreign language skills, so that from the results of training, the public has the opportunity to work abroad through legal procedures," said Asep.

Asep Romy also reminded the government, business world, and industrial sector to immediately sit together to formulate a formula for protecting labor rights while maintaining the breath of business continuity.

"Don't let the wave of layoffs spread further and create new social problems such as increasing unemployment and poverty. The state must be present to ensure that the public still has the opportunity to work and earn a decent income," he concluded.