Apindo Jabar and Provincial Government Prioritise Investment to Prevent Layoffs
The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) of West Java, together with the West Java Provincial Government, is committed to maintaining the investment climate to preserve jobs amid a global economic slowdown. The commitment was conveyed following the inauguration of the Apindo West Java board for the 2026-2031 period in Bandung on Friday (27/6).
Apindo West Java Chairwoman Ning Wahyu Astutik stated that increasing investment is a priority to ensure industry continues to grow and absorb labour. According to her, West Java has advantages including a ready workforce, extensive industrial areas, and support from the regional government in facilitating investment.
However, amidst the global economic slowdown, a number of companies have begun reporting a decline in export orders, which could potentially affect business continuity and employment. Ning Wahyu Astutik said that reducing working days or hours could be an initial step for companies to survive without resorting to layoffs.
"If orders from abroad are down, we cannot rely on that anymore. We will look for local markets. In addition, companies should not resort to layoffs. We need to find solutions. If a six-day working week is too much, it can be reduced to five or four days. Or, if overtime is usually required, it can be eliminated. Working hours can also be reduced from eight to seven hours," she explained.
Responding to this situation, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasised that the provincial government will strengthen industrial competitiveness through infrastructure development connected to Patimban Port, the provision of water networks for industrial areas, and enhanced information technology connectivity. The provincial government is also promoting a link and match programme between schools and industry so that vocational school graduates gain earlier work experience that aligns with industry needs.
"If this is connected, the next step is preparing human resources. The provincial government is now encouraging schools to implement link and match programmes. We are also considering making industrial practice longer than academic study. Currently, industrial practice is only an internship. In the future, by the third year, students could spend the entire year in industrial practice, so they are registered as prospective employees," said Governor Dedi Mulyadi.
Apindo and the West Java Provincial Government hope that strengthening investment, industrial competitiveness, and human resource quality will suppress the potential for layoffs and create more job opportunities in West Java.