Layoffs Reach 8,389 Workers in the First Quarter of 2026, with the Highest Number in West Java

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Manpower has recorded 8,389 workers affected by layoffs in the first quarter of 2026. Data from Satudata Kemenaker as of 6 April 2026 shows the three provinces with the highest layoff figures: West Java with 1,721 people, South Kalimantan with 1,071 people, and East Kalimantan with 915 people. The lowest numbers were recorded in several provinces: Gorontalo with 2 people, North Maluku with 5 people, and West Papua and Maluku each with 6 people. “Workers affected by layoffs due to resignation, retirement, permanent total disability, or death are not included in the calculation (based on PP 6/2025 and Permenaker 2/2025),” the Ministry stated on its website, quoted on Saturday (25/4/2026). The layoff trend shows a monthly decline: January recorded 4,590 people, February dropped to 3,273 people, and March further decreased to 526 people. This data is still provisional. Changes may still occur as workers report through the Job Loss Guarantee (JKP) application. On the other hand, information has emerged about potential larger-scale layoffs. President of the All-Indonesian Labour Confederation Said Iqbal stated that around 9,000 workers are at risk of being affected in 10 companies. “Currently, 9,000 are at potential risk, potentially 9,000 employees will face layoffs,” Said said during a virtual press conference on Friday (17/4/2026). Both sectors are facing production cost pressures. The rise in industrial fuel prices is triggered by conflicts in the Middle East. Manpower Minister Yassierli admitted that he has not yet received detailed data regarding the report. “I don’t know how that data is,” Yassierli said at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office on Thursday (23/4/2026). The Ministry of Manpower has an industry condition monitoring system. This system monitors labour dynamics in various sectors. Reports regarding the planned layoffs have not yet entered the ministry.