Deputy Minister of Manpower: Healthy Governance and Competent Human Resources Key to SOE Competitiveness

Deputy Minister of Manpower Afriansyah Noor has affirmed that healthy corporate governance and competent human resources are the primary keys to strengthening the competitiveness of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). “These two factors determine the ability of SOEs to grow, transform, and provide benefits to society,” said the Deputy Minister in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. Furthermore, the man familiarly known as Ferry stated that SOEs have a strategic role as drivers of the national economy through job creation, provision of public services, and strengthening vital sectors. “Therefore, every state company is required to conduct business professionally, efficiently, and adaptively to the developments of the times,” he said. Deputy Minister Ferry assessed that the ongoing transformation steps in various SOEs must be directed towards creating state companies that are efficient, transparent, and capable of providing real benefits to society. In addition, he mentioned that good governance is the main foundation for business sustainability. Besides managerial aspects, the Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of harmonious industrial relations between management and workers. According to him, the stability of labour relations will be an important factor in maintaining company productivity. He also asked workers not to be easily influenced by issues whose truth is unclear, especially those related to termination of employment or staff reductions. “I want to ensure that workers receive protection and certainty. Do not easily believe in issues that are not necessarily true,” he said. One example of the strategic role of SOEs, according to the Deputy Minister, is evident in PT Citilink Indonesia as part of the Garuda Indonesia group, which contributes to supporting national connectivity while strengthening the air transportation sector. “Companies like Citilink have an important role, not only in transportation services but also in opening up job opportunities and driving the economy,” he said. Meanwhile, President Director of PT Citilink Indonesia Darsito Hendroseputro stated that the understanding between the company and workers built through the collective labour agreement (CLA) is expected to align the company’s direction and goals, strengthen collaboration, and encourage optimal performance achievement. “The CLA is the result of a constructive dialogue process, based on openness, as well as a spirit of mutual understanding and respect between the company and the workers’ union,” he said.