Jakarta — Indonesia’s labor union has expressed its appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s decisive efforts to safeguard the jobs of workers at PT Sritex Indonesia.

Jumhur Hidayat, Chairman of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI), voiced his gratitude on behalf of Sritex employees, commending Prabowo for mobilizing four ministries to prevent potential layoffs affecting 20,000 Sritex workers.

To rescue the employees of Southeast Asia’s largest textile company, Prabowo instructed the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), and Ministry of Manpower to evaluate various solutions and develop a comprehensive recovery plan for the company.

“I highly appreciate President Prabowo’s swift action in directing four of his ministers to address the crisis at PT Sritex, which faces the risk of laying off up to 20,000 employees,” Jumhur stated.

Prabowo’s intervention is seen as critical not only for the employees but also for their families.

“With each family averaging five members, we’re talking about 100,000 people whose livelihoods need to be secured, as layoffs would push many into poverty,” Jumhur added.

The commercial court of Semarang District recently declared PT Sritex bankrupt through a ruling under case number 2/Pdt.Sus-Homologasi/2024/PN Niaga Smg. The court found that PT Sritex failed to meet its payment obligations to PT Indo Bharat Rayon, the petitioner, under a Homologation Agreement ruling dated January 25, 2022.

“If the layoffs occur, we’ll face an array of challenges. This intervention is crucial not only for Sritex but also for the entire textile industry. It’s not simply about injecting money, but about a structured plan to revive the factory and stabilize its market. This, I believe, is a well-chosen approach,” Jumhur explained.

He expressed hope that Prabowo would remain committed to supporting the working class and swiftly addressing other economic challenges impacting low-income communities.

“I’m grateful for Prabowo’s quick action, and I hope he maintains this responsiveness in other areas as well, as there are many economic policies that adversely affect low-income workers,” Jumhur concluded. (RR)