Analyst Applauds Dasco and Yassierli's Swift Response to TikTok PHK Issue
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political observer Hendri Satroll has expressed appreciation for the swift steps taken by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and the Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, in responding to the issue of potential layoffs (PHK) at TikTok-Tokopedia.
Hendri Satrio, affectionately known as Hensa, stated that the actions of the DPR and the Ministry of Manpower are crucial because labour issues are a matter of public concern, meaning the government cannot afford to wait for the issue to escalate before taking action.
“The steps taken by Mr Dasco and Manpower Minister Yassierli are good and rapid in responding to this. They immediately summoned the relevant parties, requested explanations, and did not allow this layoff issue to spiral out of control,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
According to Hensa, the meeting between the DPR, the Ministry of Manpower, and the TikTok-Tokopedia parties demonstrates an awareness that layoff issues are not merely internal company matters, but also involve worker security, public trust in the government, and the state’s protection of its citizens.
“Layoffs are not just a matter between a company and its employees. Once this issue gains traction, especially involving a large corporation, the public will inevitably ask where the state stands. Therefore, rapid steps like these are indeed necessary,” he said.
“If the company claims there are no layoffs, that is good, but it should not stop there. The Government and the DPR must still ensure what the facts are. We must ensure that terms are not simply replaced with ‘workforce restructuring’ while workers continue to feel disadvantaged,” he added.
Hensa also assessed that Dasco and Yassierli need to ensure the state does not merely act as a venue for companies to provide explanations, but also actively guarantees protection for workers.
“Companies are allowed to transform, but workers should not be left in a state of uncertainty. That is where the function of the state lies. Calming the public is fine, but protecting workers must remain the number one priority,” he said.
He added that this rapid response could serve as a signal that labour issues cannot be taken lightly, especially amidst rising public anxiety regarding layoffs and the future of employment.
“So, I praise the quick response, but that does not mean everything is resolved. In fact, this must be monitored closely. If it is not monitored, the public will see it merely as a stage for clarification,” he said.
He emphasised that the government and the DPR need to ensure that any workforce restructuring is conducted transparently, fairly, and in accordance with regulations. The public, he noted, requires certainty, not just statements claiming that no layoffs are occurring.
“What workers need is certainty. If there truly are no layoffs, explain it clearly. If there is restructuring, explain the impact on the workers as well. Do not let corporate language sound polished while workers remain confused underneath,” said Hensa.