Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi responded to workers' concerns about layoffs in several regions raised during the International Labor Day (May Day) commemoration.

In his statements on Wednesday, Hadi emphasized that the government is not ignoring the issue and will strive to mitigate and handle it comprehensively.

"If layoffs occur in several places, we will take steps," he remarked.

According to Hadi, the government has conducted a cross-sectoral coordination to anticipate and handle the impact of layoffs, especially in fulfilling the rights of affected workers.

'"We coordinate to mitigate the issue and fulfill the rights of those affected," he affirmed.

The government is also making efforts to create new jobs to absorb workers impacted by layoffs.

Hadi accentuated the government's steadfast commitment to prioritizing employment issues, including maintaining a healthy business climate while supporting workers.

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The Ministry of Manpower recorded the number of layoffs in Indonesia during the first two months of 2025, with 18,610 workers laid off as of February. This figure has increased almost sixfold from January.

Central Java Province recorded the highest number, with 10,677 layoffs, accounting for 57 percent of the national total, followed by 3,530 in Riau, 2,650 in DKI Jakarta, 978 in East Java, and 411 in Banten.

Meanwhile, several provinces, such as North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Bangka Belitung, reported only two to three cases.

The government is preparing to establish a Layoffs Task Force in response to President Prabowo Subianto's directive.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli earlier stated that the task force will involve elements of the government, labor unions, employers, and academics.

The Task Force will not only focus on mitigating layoffs but also monitor job creation and other employment issues. Meanwhile, its official launch is yet to gain momentum and may be announced on May Day 2025.

The ministry's Director General of Industrial Relations Development, Indah Anggoro Putri, stated that the formation of the task force will be formalized through a Presidential Instruction.

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