we estimate that the number of unemployed can further rise to reach 2.92 million to 5.23 million people
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah has pegged the number of unemployed people in Indonesia to reach between 2.92 million and 5.23 million if the COVID-19 pandemic were to prolong.

"In addition to the existing data, we estimate that the number of unemployed can further rise to reach 2.92 million to 5.23 million people. We are continually striving to keep the unemployment rate down at below a double-digit figure," the minister remarked during a regular English language press conference from the President's Office here on Thursday.

Currently, 1.7 million workers from the formal and informal sectors are reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of Termination of Employment (FLE) or awaiting lay-offs.

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The Central Statistics Agency’s (BPS’) data, as of February 2020, showed that 6.88 million people were unemployed in Indonesia.

Fauziyah was optimistic of an improvement in the business situation for ushering in restoration of economic activities that will in turn result in labor absorption. Investment growth continued in the first quarter of 2020 that led to employment opportunities for up to 300 thousand people.

During the current transition to the new normal, the minister is upbeat about continued investment flows until the year-end in order to boost employment.

President Joko Widodo has prepared six strategic policies to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the work force.

The six policies are an economic stimulus package for the business sector to avert lay-offs; income tax incentives for workers; social safety nets through social assistance expansion programs for formal and informal workers; prioritization of the Workers' Card for laid-off workers; expansion of labor-intensive industrial programs; and protection for Indonesian migrant workers.

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Translator: Indra Arief, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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