President Asks For Revised JHT Regulations, DPR: Signs Jokowi Is Sensitive To Workers

President Jokowi and Minister Ida Fauziyah (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Kris)

JAKARTA - Member of the DPR from the PAN faction, Guspardi Gaus, appreciated President Joko Widodo who ordered the Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziah to revise Permenaker Number 2 of 2022 concerning Old Age Security (JHT).

"This is a sign that Jokowi is sensitive and understands the aspirations of the workers," Guspardi told reporters, Tuesday, February 22. The rules and procedures for seeking JHT payments have caused polemics and rejections from various elements of society. The workers responded by holding demonstrations at the Office of the Ministry of Manpower and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan last week. "Some labor unions even plan to file a lawsuit to the Administrative Court," said the member of Commission II of the DPR. Therefore, the PAN Legislator for the West Sumatra Electoral District assessed that what Jokowi had done was very appropriate. Because, said Guspardi, in principle JHT is savings money for workers that guarantees their finances when they are no longer working or no longer receiving wages. "This means that someone should be able to withdraw their savings when they no longer receive wages," he said.

In revising Permenaker number 2 of 2022, the member of Baleg DPR RI, asked the Minister of Manpower to act in accordance with President Jokowi's directives to make it easier for workers to disburse JHT, and workers who have been laid off or are experiencing difficulties can be taken. It is also hoped that in this revision the Minister of Manpower can involve trade unions and various related elements of society. "It is no less important to consult with the DPR," concluded Guspardi.

Previously, President Joko Widodo ordered Permenaker No. 2 of 2022 regarding the disbursement of Old Age Security (JHT) to be revised.

Jokowi has also summoned the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto and the Minister of Manpower, Ida Fauziyah to immediately carry out his instructions.

This was conveyed by the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg), Pratikno in an interview uploaded on the Presidential Secretariat Youtube channel, Monday, February 21, 2022.

"(The President) ordered that the procedures and requirements for paying JHT be simplified, made easy, so that JHT funds can be taken by individual workers who are going through difficult times, especially those experiencing layoffs," said Pratikno.

According to Pratikno, the Head of State hears and understands the objections of the workers regarding the JHT regulation which can only be disbursed at the age of 56 years.

"The regulations will be further regulated in the revision of the Minister of Manpower regulations or other regulations," added Pratikno.