Awaiting Severance Pay, Former Sritex Workers Survive by Selling Assets and Working in SPPG

In Semarang, over 8,475 former workers of PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex) are still awaiting the payout of their severance pay and THR bonuses. More than a year has passed since Sritex was declared bankrupt, yet the rights of the former employees remain unfulfilled. To meet their daily needs, they are resorting to various measures, from selling assets to working in nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG).

Agus Wicaksono (65 years old), Chairman of the Sritex Former Employees Solidarity, revealed that the auction process of the bankrupt estate by the curatorial team is still ongoing. To his knowledge, the assets auctioned so far include several vehicle units and production stocks.

However, the proceeds from these auctions have not yet been used to pay the severance and THR for Sritex’s former workers. “Indeed, we haven’t been paid. Up to a year now, there has been no payment at all,” Agus told Republika on Friday (24/4/2026).

Agus noted that former Sritex workers fall into the category of preferred creditors, meaning their rights must be prioritised in the settlement process. “The severance pay for Sritex employees is actually quite small, only Rp248.5 billion. This is for Sritex alone. But if combined with PT Primayudha Mandirijaya, PT Bitratex Industries, and PT Sinar Pantja Djaja, it might be around Rp300 billion,” said Agus, who worked at Sritex for 15 years.

PT Primayudha Mandirijaya, PT Bitratex Industries, and PT Sinar Pantja Djaja are three Sritex subsidiaries that were also declared bankrupt by the Semarang District Court on 24 October 2024. Agus disclosed that the majority of former Sritex workers are no longer employed.

“For Sritex specifically, out of 8,475 employees who were laid off, 60% are already of non-productive age. So the remaining 40%, who are still of productive age, alhamdulillah, many have found work. Some have gone to other companies, some to the technology sector, and some to SPPG,” Agus stated.

He said that the current main focus is to fight for the fulfilment of rights for the 60% of former Sritex workers who are already of non-productive age. On average, they have worked at Sritex for 20-30 years.

“The severance pay would serve as capital for them if they want to start a business, such as trading or the like, to make a living. Many of our non-productive friends end up surviving by selling their assets and possessions. Like selling motorbikes and so on,” Agus explained.