The Minister Of Manpower Emphasized The Importance Of Valid Data Regarding The Number Of Layoffs

Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli emphasized the importance of valid data regarding the number of mass layoffs (PHK) that have recently occurred in Indonesia.

According to him, not all the news about the wave of layoffs is true.

He gave an example, PT Mayora Indah Tbk, which was previously reported to have carried out mass layoffs on its workers, was not true.

"There are several companies that when we read in the media there were layoffs. However, after we checked, not everything (true). For example, Mayora was not like that. There were some who were reported to have laid off, but the workers increased," said the Minister of Manpower as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 5.

"We need media support to be able to see this information in its entirety. We must protect the validity of the information circulating," continued Yassierli.

Furthermore, the Minister of Manpower said, based on a statement by the Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the domestic manufacturing industry continued to experience growth while absorbing more new workers than the layoffs.

According to data from the National Industrial Information System (SIINAs) in 2024, the number of new workers absorbed by the manufacturing industry which will start producing in 2024 will reach 1,082,998 new workers.

This figure is greater than the number of layoffs reported to the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) in 2024 of 48,345 people.

For the record, the number of workers who were laid off during that period was not only workers in the manufacturing sector, but the total number for all economic sectors.

"This positive message must be conveyed. Although we are not closing our eyes if there are companies/industrials that are in the contraction phase, some are growing," said the Minister of Manpower.

He added that there are a number of factors that affect layoffs, ranging from macroeconomic conditions, company competitiveness, to the company's internal governance.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli admitted that he is quite optimistic that the absorption of labor in Indonesia this year will show growth.

There is (industry/companies) that will absorb thousands of workers, and President Prabowo's strategic programs that will absorb significant numbers of workers. I hope we can all work together to (realize this)," he said.