Thousands of PT Pakerin Terancam PHK, Kemenperin Do This

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has begun to make efforts to help PT Pakerin's operational recovery after concerns arose about the potential for layoffs (PHK) against thousands of workers at the company.

The effort was carried out after the Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita ordered his staff to call the company's management to obtain a direct overview of the operational conditions and obstacles being faced.

"The Minister of Industry on Sunday, June 21 afternoon has ordered the Acting Director General of IA (Agro Industry) to call the management of PT Pakerin. The goal is to clarify the news related to production operations and immediately take rapid and measurable mitigation steps," said the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Febri Hendri Antoni Arief, quoted from a written statement, Friday, June 26.

PT Pakerin management then fulfilled the call of the Ministry of Industry through the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who met with the Acting Director General of Agro Industry in Jakarta, Tuesday, June 23.

From the meeting, it was revealed that the company has two main business lines, namely the production of paperboard for packaging needs and the production of caustic soda (NaOH). The Ministry of Industry said that the caustic soda production facility is still running normally, while the paperboard production line has not been operating since December 2024.

According to the company's explanation to the government, the temporary suspension of paper production occurred due to internal problems that PT Pakerin was facing. Even so, management is said to still be consolidating and trying to fulfill its obligations to workers.

It is known that PT Pakerin's condition has become a public concern after information about the potential dismissal of around 2,500 employees emerged. The issue is associated with the company's funds which are reportedly still held at Bank Prima Master whose license has been revoked and is now in the liquidation process.

In the midst of the company's efforts to improve its financial condition, the Ministry of Industry stated that it was ready to provide support so that production activities could resume. One of the steps prepared is to help meet the needs of raw materials for paper and cardboard production facilities.

"The Directorate General of Agro Industry has received an explanation from PT Pakerin. The Ministry of Industry supports the recovery of the company's production line operations and the fulfillment of obligations to workers' rights. On this occasion, the Ministry of Industry also conveyed that it had proposed meeting the needs for raw materials for their paper and cardboard production facilities," said Febri.

The government assesses that the existence of PT Pakerin has a significant economic impact on the community around the industrial area in Mojokerto. Therefore, the sustainability of the company's operations is a concern, not only for workers but also for regional economic activities.

"The Minister has ordered all levels to monitor the performance of the national industry and take quick mitigation steps for industries that experience disruptions in the supply chain and demand," he concluded.