Ministry Of Manpower: The Benefits Of JHT And JKP Are Still Relevant Considering Currently Still Facing The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic

Director General of Industrial Relations Development and Social Security for Workers of the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) Indah Anggoro Putri. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) RI stated that the Old Age Security (JHT) and Job Loss Insurance (JKP) programs work together to strengthen protection for workers. , considering the situation and conditions of employment are still faced with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," said the Director General (Dirjen) of Industrial Relations and Social Security for the Manpower Ministry of Manpower Indah Anggoro Putri in a statement in Jakarta, Tuesday. The Minister of Manpower (Permenaker) Number 19 of 2015 concerning Procedures and Requirements for Payment of Old Age Security Benefits, is still in effect. Meanwhile the benefits of the JKP program will be implemented in 2022 and need to be monitored and evaluated before the JHT benefits are returned in accordance with the mandate of the law and its philosophy.

Furthermore, the Director General of Women said that philosophically JHT is a long-term social security program that becomes a safety net for workers/laborers when entering retirement, workers cannot return to work because of permanent total disability before retirement or death. In this case, the JKP program is available. In Permenaker Number 19 of 2015, JHT benefits for participants who stop working can be paid at once after passing the waiting period of one month. Meanwhile, the JKP benefits are intended to provide a safety net for workers who stop working. Thus, the JHT benefits received by workers in retirement will be greater. If participants want to take JHT benefits before retiring, it is possible if they have been participants for at least 10 years and the benefits taken are a maximum of 30 percent of the total JHT in question. "Therefore, currently we are reviewing the benefits of JHT to return to the philosophy and in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 40 of 2004 on the National Social Security System. This is also an effort so that between one social security program and another are harmonious and synergistic in providing protection to workers / laborers," said Putri. More than that, the JHT program also has an additional benefit called Additional Service Benefits (MLT). MLT JHT is currently devoted to assisting with housing for workers/laborers. The additional benefit is also an effort to overcome the housing backlog problem that is of concern to the government. "The government continues to strive so that all Employment Social Security programs really provide benefits to their participants. We continue to encourage BPJS Ketenagakerjaan to innovate in developing benefits, services, and membership coverage. The government hopes that all social security benefits can really provide protection and welfare for workers/laborers,” said Putri.