Said Iqbal Says the Government is Looking for Facts on the Dismissal of Tokopedia and TikTok

JAKARTA - Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Employment and Labor Welfare Said Iqbal stated that he would directly follow up on the issue of layoffs (PHK) at Tokopedia and TikTok, to obtain facts before the government took further steps.

"We must not only hear from one side. The government must get a complete picture of what is really happening," said Said Iqbal when confirmed in Jakarta, Saturday.

Said Iqbal said that this step was taken to obtain the facts in full before the government took further steps.

"I am arranging time to meet directly with workers and the company," he said.

According to Said Iqbal, the digital economy sector has characteristics that are different from the manufacturing industry, so that every employment issue must be viewed comprehensively.

Tokopedia and TikTok are part of the platform-based digital economy industry. Therefore, he will first go down to find out the facts on the ground.

"I will invite the Ministry of Manpower to work together to deepen it so that the root of the problem is clearly known," he said.

He emphasized that if in the process of deepening there was found to be a violation of laws and regulations in the field of employment, the government would take steps in accordance with its authority.

However, Said Iqbal reminded that the government also needs to look at the business conditions faced by companies. If the problems that occur are related to market dynamics, changes in business models, or economic pressures that cause companies to suffer losses, then the solution must be carried out through a constructive dialogue between the government, companies, and workers.

"Not all layoffs have the same cause. If the problem is related to the market situation or the company's business conditions, of course we will sit down together to find the best solution that will still protect workers while maintaining business continuity," he said.

He said that the government's current approach prioritizes direct settlement in the field. This model has previously been applied in a number of industrial relations cases and has succeeded in preventing layoffs of thousands of workers.

According to him, the dialogue facilitated by the government can produce good solutions. In one case, about 4,000 workers were successfully saved from the threat of layoffs through this approach.

"Therefore, we will take the same approach to the problem in the digital economy sector," said Said Iqbal.

In the near future, Said Iqbal aims to meet with Tokopedia and TikTok workers together with the Ministry of Manpower to get a direct picture of the conditions that are happening.

"In accordance with President Prabowo Subianto's instructions, the government will continue to be present to protect workers while maintaining a healthy business climate. The principle is simple, every problem must be resolved based on facts, through dialogue, and by upholding applicable laws," he added.