Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the government plans to provide some assistance or relaxation to companies, especially those in the textile, furniture and footwear industries, in 2023. This is done to anticipate the adverse effects of the global recession which is predicted to occur next year. "We are in principle, right, preventing layoffs (PHK). Some in yesterday's meeting already got approval, we are just preparing the draft policy," said Agus at the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) Building, Jakarta, Tuesday, December 27.

Agus said that his party had submitted several suggestions to help the textile, furniture and footwear industries, such as the proposal for a limited import ban (lartas) and a policy from border posts to borders.

The Ministry of Industry also proposed relaxation in regulating work hours obligations.

"So far, the industry has had to pay for a minimum of 40 hours. So, we ask that it be relaxed at least until conditions return to normal," said Agus.

Furthermore, said Agus, his party suggested expanding the export market. One of the strategies prepared is to push for a trade agreement with the European Union (EU).

"This is expected to make export products from Indonesia competitive with Vietnamese products that are not subject to import tariffs in Europe," he said.

In principle, the Ministry of Industry is trying to prevent layoffs from occurring amid the threat of a recession next year.