The directive was issued by Prabowo during an economic forum in Jakarta on Tuesday, following a suggestion by the Indonesian Trade Unions Confederation (KPSI) President Said Iqbal.
"We should form a layoff task force involving the government, trade unions, academicians, rectors, BPJS (state insurance provider), and others," he remarked at the forum.
The president also requested that government ranks seek an office that can be established as the post of the layoff task force.
According to Prabowo, the task force will connect workers affected by layoffs with job opportunities.
"We should defend unemployed workers. We must handle them well. We must map everything, the job opportunities, layoffs," he emphasized.
In a question and answer session at Tuesday's forum, KSPI President Said Iqbal noted that around 50 thousand workers risk losing their jobs in the next three months due to the effects of the reciprocal tariff policy of US President Donald Trump.
Iqbal noted that the workers had been notified by their companies about potential future layoffs. The companies are engaged in the textile, garment, footwear, palm oil, electronics, and spare parts sectors.
"This task force will contribute actively if there is potential for layoffs, (giving suggestions on) what steps need to be taken," he remarked while conveying his suggestion to President Prabowo.
On April 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced "reciprocal" tariffs on several countries, including Indonesia, which faces a 32-percent tariff. The Trump administration also imposed a 10 percent baseline tariff on imports from all countries.
Related news: Preserving hope amid looming wave of layoffs
Related news: Govt ready to help workers vulnerable to layoffs
Related news: PCO outlines President's steps to deal with turmoil, US tariffs
Translator: Mentari Dwi, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
