The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy together with the Main Director of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (BPJamsostek) Anggoro Eko Cahyo accompanied by the local government visited a number of labor-intensive industrial locations in West Java, Wednesday, 16 November 2022. The industrial companies reviewed included PT Kahatex in Rancaekek, Bandung, and PT Chang Shin in Karawang. This visit follows reports from a number of associations to Coordinating Minister Muhadjir that there are companies engaged in labor-intensive industries such as textiles that are experiencing slowing performance.

Some companies have even cut their working hours to 3-4 days, which is usually 7 working days. Under these conditions, many workers were also affected by termination of employment (PHK).

Responding to this, Coordinating Minister Muhadjir appealed to companies to prepare clear projections for future targets. He also emphasized that the decision to lay off workers must be the last resort used by employers. “As much as possible, they must be detained first, no layoffs. We are looking for a solution together," he said.

Even though he is not in charge of industrial and economic affairs, the issue of layoffs or reduced working hours will be his problem because it risks increasing the number of poverty. Even if layoffs cannot be avoided, Coordinating Minister Muhadjir asked that laid-off workers be handled properly through the Job Loss Guarantee (JKP) program.

Coordinating Minister Muhadjir added that currently layoffs are a problem that must be addressed immediately so there must be anticipation and handling. "I ask for the cooperation of all companies to anticipate conditions in 2023. I'm here to ensure that if there are layoffs later, don't let them not be connected to JKP," he said

Main Director of BPJamsostek, Anggoro Eko Cahyo stated that BPJamsostek is committed to providing easy services for all workers who have experienced layoffs through the JKP program. Participants who are registered in the JKP program and meet the eligibility elements will receive benefits in the form of cash, job training and access to the job market.

Of course, in accordance with Government Regulation (PP) Number 37 of 2021, workers will automatically be registered with the JKP program and without additional contributions if the company or employer has registered their workers in all social security programs. 

Companies in the Large and Medium scale category are required to register all of their employees in 4 BPJamsostek programs, namely Work Accident Insurance (JKK), Old Age Benefits (JHT), Death Benefits (JKM), Pension Benefits (JP) and plus the Wage Beneficiary Segment Health Insurance (JKN). PU) managed by BPJS Kesehatan

Meanwhile, Small and Micro scale companies are required to register their workers in at least 4 programs, namely JKK, JHT, JKM, and JKN PU.

"Because now there is a scheme for those who are laid off, there is a guarantee of losing their job, so this must really be implemented quickly and precisely. Don't let those who have been laid off fall into a slump and contribute to increasing the number of poverty in the region," said Anggoro.

Currently the poverty rate in West Java is still quite high at 9.4 percent. As the ministry in charge of BPJamsostek, Kemenko PMK will continue to ensure that this guarantee will work properly

On that occasion, Anggoro again appealed to employers who were not yet compliant to immediately register all of their workers as BPJamsostek participants so that they would be protected from the risk of work accidents, death or other socio-economic risks.

"Through the 5 programs organized by BPJamsostek, this is proof that the state is here to ensure that all workers can live a decent and prosperous life, so that they can reduce the poverty rate in Indonesia," he said.