55,000 Workers Threatened with Layoffs, Dasco Intervenes by Calling Pertamina CEO
The threat of layoffs (PHK) against tens of thousands of manufacturing workers has resurfaced. This time, the high price of industrial gas is cited as the main trigger, potentially hitting the ceramics and textile sectors in the near future.
This alarm was raised by the President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, in front of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad during the KSPI 2026 National Working Meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday (23/6/2026).
According to Andi Gani, the ceramics industry is currently facing severe pressure due to a sharp increase in industrial gas prices. This situation has put several companies in a difficult position to maintain operations.
‘Bang Dasco, with all due respect. Right now, we are experiencing extraordinary difficulties. Two of my members’ largest factories in Bekasi have closed, Bang. That is Granito, and soon Milenium Keramik and Mulia Keramik will follow because of industrial gas. This is very dangerous,’ said Andi Gani.
He warned of wider repercussions if the gas price issue is not resolved immediately. According to him, a wave of layoffs could occur within days.
‘Next week, within a maximum of ten days, 55,000 people will be laid off. This is a concern for all of us because of industrial gas,’ he stated.
Andi Gani revealed that gas prices, which were previously around US$6, have now soared to approximately US$23. This increase is considered unbearable for industries that rely on gas as their primary energy source in the production process.
‘So this is very terrifying. Soon the textile industry will follow; basically, any industry that uses industrial gas will be heavily affected,’ he said.
The report received an immediate response from Dasco. During his speech to Rakernas participants, the Daily Chairman of the Gerindra Party spontaneously called the President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Simon Aloysius Mantiri, with the phone conversation played aloud to the attendees.
‘Hello, Mr President Director of Pertamina. I am currently at the KSPI National Working Meeting. I was just asked about the issue of industrial gas. So, before I give my speech, I want to ask first, how is the issue of industrial gas? Is there a way out?’ Dasco asked.
Dasco stressed that the threat of layoffs raised by the workers cannot be taken lightly. He urged immediate mitigation measures before thousands of workers lose their livelihoods.
‘So, Mr Simon, within the next few days, there is already a threat of layoffs. So perhaps we need to find a way out or mitigate this so that the factories, with around 55,000 people reportedly threatened with layoffs, can be saved. This is very concerning,’ he continued.
He also proposed a meeting between Pertamina and worker representatives within the next one to two days to find an acceptable solution.