Warning From Airlangga: Emergency PPKM Is Only 2 Weeks, It's Not Right If There Are Companies That Lay Off Employees

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - There is an issue of termination of employment or layoffs in line with the implementation of the Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto also criticized a number of companies that had laid off their employees.

Airlangga considered that the policy was not right. This is because the tightening carried out by the government through the Emergency PPKM only lasted less than a month.

"We remind employers that this PPKM only takes place in 2 weeks. From July 3 to the 20. So, if you do layoffs in 2 weeks, I don't think it's appropriate," he said in a virtual press conference, Friday, July 9.

Moreover, said Airlangga, the government did not carry out a total lockdown and still allowed certain sectors to continue operating either on a limited basis or in full. However, still by implementing strict health protocols.

"Essential sectors can operate, of course we look at other sectors on a case by case basis. If someone does layoffs just because of Emergency PPKM, according to the government, this is not something that should be in place," he explained.

Airlangga said the government has also provided many facilities to ease the burden on entrepreneurs. Therefore, Airlangga ensured that he would continue to monitor the affected sectors and find solutions to avoid layoffs.

"(Aid) in terms of banking and also related to small and medium enterprises, and providing interest subsidies, for example 3 percent. So, of course, if there are cases of layoffs, it must be seen case by case. Not generalized," he said.

In addition, said Airlangga, the government will also add assistance to communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of 10 kilograms (kg) of rice.

"This is given to 20 million people, of which 10 million are recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH) and 10 million recipients of cash social assistance (BST). Now this is being finalized and pushed to be implemented through Perum Bulog," he said.