Airlangga Says The Government Remains Prioritizing Employment Issues Amid Dynamics

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The government emphasizes that employment issues remain a major concern in the midst of the current socio-political situation.

This was in response to the aspirations of the workers conveyed in the demonstration at the DPR RI, including the demand for an increase in the 2026 UMP by 8.5 percent and the termination of the wave of Termination of Work Relations (PHK).

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the government had prepared various strategic steps to maintain a balance between economic stability and protection of workers' welfare.

Airlangga revealed that the government has formed a Labor Welfare Council and a Task Force for Prevention of Layoffs equipped with an early warning system, a reskilling program, and strengthening social dialogue.

"Regarding the workforce that is of concern in the market, the labor welfare council, and also the layoff prevention task force have been formed and this has been prepared," he explained at a press conference at the Indonesia Stock Exchange Building, Monday, September 1.

Through this initiative, he said, the government hopes that the welfare of workers will continue to increase and job opportunities will be wider.

Airlangga also conveyed President Prabowo Subianto's directive which emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and not being provoked by parties who want to divide the nation.

"Mr. President Prabowo has given clear and calming directions and he said the government is determined to always fight for the interests of the people, including the smallest, least lagging people," he said.

Airlangga stated that national growth is still on a positive track and invites market players, both investors and issuers, to remain calm and understand the peaceful delivery of aspirations.

Selain itu, ia menyampaikan pemerintah akan terus menjalin komunikasi intensif dengan investor dan pelaku usaha guna memastikan seluruh agenda investasi tetap berjalan sesuai rencana.

“Kita seluruhnya punya tanggung jawab moral kepada bangsa ini untuk mempertahankan roda perekonomian agar penciptaan lapangan kerja dan mereka yang bekerja tetap terjaga dan kesejahteraan masyarakat tentunya itu menjadi perhatian utama dari pemerintah,” ujarnya.

In addition, he said the government would continue to establish intensive communication with investors and business actors to ensure that all investment agendas continue to run according to plan.

"We all have a moral responsibility to this nation to maintain the wheels of the economy so that job creation and those who work are maintained and the welfare of the community is of course the main concern of the government," he said.