Puan Asks The Government To Focus On Saving Sritex Workers: Don't Let There Be Layoffs

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani asked the Government to focus on helping employees of PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk or Sritex not to be laid off (PHK). Rescue of around 50 thousand Sritex employees must be a priority.

As is known, Sritex was cut off by the Semarang Commercial District Court over the lawsuit filed by PT Indo Bharat Rayon (IBR). In this case, Sritex is considered negligent about the debt to IBR so that the problem has a long and fatal impact on the company.

Currently Sritex is submitting Cassation efforts to the Supreme Court (MA) in the hope that the Supreme Court's decision can cancel the Commercial Court's decision. Puan hopes that Sritex will fulfill her commitment not to lay off her employees.

The massive layoffs or layoffs should be avoided. This concerns the fate and welfare of Sritex employees which is quite large," said Puan, Thursday, October 31.

Sritex stated that it has around 50,000 employees in its group where 14,112 employees are said to have been directly affected by the bankruptcy decision. The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) is also worried about mass layoffs due to Sritex bankruptcy.

"The rescue of these employees includes ensuring regulations and facilities from the Government make them guaranteed," explained Puan.

Sritex's election is not just a financial problem for the company, but has an widespread impact on the workforce, local economy, and social stability, continued the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also reminded that the potential for mass layoffs could have an impact on national economic growth. Because Sritex is the largest textile company in Southeast Asia.

"We also support how the Government helps Sritex so that they can still export-import even though they are bankrupt. Because if the operation doesn't work, the impact will be on their business where tens of thousands of people depend on their fate there," he explained.

Puan hopes that the trading dispute of the textile company, which is centered in Sukoharjo, Central Java, can be resolved soon. He also reminded the Government to provide effective assistance.

This follows the issue that the Government will bail out to save Sritex from bankruptcy.

"The focus remains on saving workers who have the potential to experience termination of employment," said Puan.

According to Puan, the Government must pay attention to the protection of workers' rights from the worst possible.

"The government's policy must be friendly to workers in order to avoid a wider economic impact and reduce the risk of mass unemployment," said the legislator from the Central Java V electoral district.

Puan asked the Government to continue to monitor and assist Sritex workers who are currently in a state of anxiety over the latest status of the national-scale textile company. And if mass layoffs are unavoidable, she asks the Government to ensure that guarantees for workers affected by layoffs can be given without any obstacles.

The Job Loss Guarantee (JKP) that Puan meant was in the form of salaries, severance pay, to access to job market information, and job training according to the BPJS Employment program. This program is expected to help ease the financial burden on employees who have lost their jobs by providing temporary allowances and training to find new jobs.

"This must be a major concern because the uncertainty in these rights can worsen the economic condition of tens of thousands of Sritex employees and their families," explained Puan.

"If possible, also facilitate the distribution of workers affected by layoffs to new workplaces. Of course, the DPR will also provide escort," continued Bung Karno's grandson.

On the other hand, Puan emphasized the importance of the Government in intervening in the dimming of the Indonesian textile industry. Because it is known that quite a number of textile companies have gone out of business or are efficient by reducing labor.

The labor-intensive industry, such as the textic industry, has recently experienced layoffs. There are many factors. We have to map it together and how to find the best solution so that the national textile industry can bounce back," said Puan.

Puan said state policies must be able to strengthen the business actors of the domestic textile and garment industry so that they return to health, both large-scale and MSMEs. This is because millions of workers are absorbed in the textile industry and contribute greatly to gross domestic product (GDP).

"We also have to look at today's market conditions. Don't let the rules we make burden local companies and benefit foreign companies. Because if businesses are sluggish, the impact will definitely be on their workers and their supporting lines," he explained.

"Business competition must be done in a healthy manner so that no small people are harmed," concluded Puan.