President Prabowo Subianto will form a special task force to handle layoffs (PHK).

Said Iqbal conveyed this proposal at an Economic Discussion event with Prabowo at the Mandiri Sudirman Tower, South Jakarta, Tuesday (8/4).

During the meeting, Said Iqbal voiced a proposal for the government to establish a Layoff Task Force involving government elements, labor unions, academics, and BPJS Employment.

The presence of this task force is considered important as an effort to face the threat of mass layoffs amidst global economic uncertainty.

In response to the proposal, Prabowo openly expressed his agreement and appreciation for Said Iqbal's initiative. He even asked his staff to immediately follow up on the formation of the PHK Task Force.

"What I'm more interested in is Mr. Said's proposal, the Layoff Task Force. It's a very good suggestion. I thank you," said Prabowo.

Prabowo also stated that he greatly appreciated the proposal to establish a Layoff Task Force, as it could serve as a government tool to anticipate and find solutions to the potential surge in layoffs in the future.

According to him, the Layoff Task Force must involve various elements, starting from the government, labor unions, academics, and BPJS Employment.

"I think a Layoff Task Force should be formed immediately. It should involve the government, labor unions, academia, rectors, the Social Security Agency (BPJS), and so on. We'll anticipate this with one task force," he stressed.

"But I want to assure all elements of the Labor Union. I am very confident, I am very sure, I believe in Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. Our country must be managed as one family," Prabowo added.

In addition to establishing a Layoff Task Force, Prabowo reiterated his commitment to protecting and assisting workers affected by layoffs. One of the government's efforts, Prabowo said, is extending the Job Loss Guarantee (JKP) from three months to six months.

"If they're truly neglected, we will protect them, we will help them, and they shouldn't be too worried. It's necessary. If someone isn't worried, they're probably not normal, right? So we need to be vigilant, but I remind you that we have the power," he explained.

He also ensured that the Layoff Task Force that will be formed will not only record layoff data, but will also be tasked with connecting layoff victims with new job opportunities.

Prabowo said the government is currently designing a number of large-scale projects, such as fish farms on the north coast of Java and agricultural development, to create new jobs.

"The Layoff Task Force is looking for a good command post. We're mapping everything. Where there are job opportunities and where there are layoffs, we can immediately link and match them, and the government will help," Prabowo emphasized.

According to him, the Layoff Task Force can be an important bridge to ensure that every layoff victim receives protection and decent employment opportunities, even though the placement may not always be in the worker's hometown.

"But if it's true that there are companies laying off employees in Java, then we can offer them jobs, but perhaps in Kalimantan, Halmahera, Waingapu, or Merauke. If they say, 'Oh, no, I only want to work in Brebes,' then that's impossible," Prabowo said.

Prabowo also emphasized that for him, protecting and helping workers is not just an obligation, but an honor as a leader.

"What's important to me is that employees and laborers are the nation's children and we must protect them and look after them. This is nothing to me; it's my honor. It's my honor. I don't want to be a leader who can't help and protect the weakest," he stressed.

Source: CNN Indonesia