Layoffs Surge⁤ in Indonesia: ⁢150,000 Workers Affected by Mid-2025

jakarta ⁣- ‍The Indonesian labor market is facing a meaningful downturn, with a stark increase in ⁣Termination of Employment (PHK) cases reported this year. Shinta Kamdani, Chairperson ⁤of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), revealed that‍ as of june⁢ 2025, an alarming 150,000 workers have been laid off.

This figure, derived from data released by BPJS Employment, indicates a⁤ considerable impact on ⁢the workforce. Kamdani further elaborated that out of this total, 100,000 individuals have already ‍submitted claims⁤ for their benefits.

“If we are in Apindo,we use the layoff data ‍from ​the BPJS Employment,so‌ we see those who‌ come out of the BPJS,the layoffs until January to June 2025 are already 150 thousand. And the claims are 100 thousand,”​ Kamdani stated.

Discrepancies in Official ​Data

The data presented by Apindo contrasts with figures released by the ​Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker). The Ministry reported that layoffs from⁢ January to June ​reached 42,385 ‌workers, marking a 32.19% increase compared to⁢ the same period last year, which saw 32,064 workers laid off.

Despite‌ these numerical differences, Kamdani emphasized that the core issue remains the ‌undeniable surge in layoffs. “But of ‌course we also see that in the Ministry of Manpower has a report from the Manpower Office and others. So that’s why⁣ I say we don’t have to argue about numbers, data. But clearly ⁤it seems that the increase was there, the government said 32%.‌ That was a high number,high increase.⁤ And this was ⁤already felt ‍also from the survey made by Apindo,” she explained.

Looming Threats‍ to Export Industries

Looking ahead, Kamdani expressed concern ⁤that the wave of layoffs is likely to⁢ continue. A significant contributing factor, she noted, is the potential impact of a 19% tariff imposed by‌ the United States,⁢ which could severely​ disrupt the performance of export-oriented industries.

“So we both agree that this is not just ordinary layoffs, but this layoff is really running and is still rolling. So in terms of Trump tariffs and others‍ it should not ​be increased again. ⁣Because the exports are hit there TPT (textiles and textile products),” Kamdani warned.She further elaborated on the‌ potential​ consequences:⁢ “If now we do not ⁢have better rates from competitors⁤ and there is an order‍ transfer,it will disrupt ⁣the workforce in Indonesia as well,later‌ the layoffs ⁢will increase.”

The​ current economic climate, coupled‍ with external trade pressures, paints a ​challenging picture for Indonesian workers and ​businesses alike, signaling a period of continued uncertainty in the job market.

(ily/hns)