Police Urge Workers to Resolve Industrial Disputes Through Mediation

Jakarta - The Head of the National Police’s Manpower Desk, Brigadier General Moh. Irhamni, has urged workers to resolve industrial disputes through mediation facilitated by the desk. During a press conference at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency building in Jakarta on Thursday, he stated that layoffs are unavoidable amid the current uncertain global situation. “The development of the strategic environment influences and impacts the national situation. This has forced employers to resort to layoffs,” he said. He explained that workers can report to the Police Manpower Desk at the headquarters, regional, and district levels if they find injustice in the layoff process. The police will then help mediate between workers and the company. He said that with this mechanism, workers do not need to stage demonstrations or public speeches to demand justice. “There is no need for demonstration activities that might actually cause other problems,” Irhamni said. On the other hand, mediation will also provide a sense of protection for companies wanting to invest, which will ultimately boost the national economy. “In a situation like this, we must not let demonstrations cause employers to leave our country and invest in other nations,” he said. Echoing Irhamni, Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor also expressed hope that workers would prioritise mediation first in resolving industrial disputes. “I also hope that all labour unions will only hold demonstrations if there is a deadlock. If there is no deadlock yet, bipartite and tripartite mediation must be carried out, and of course, they can also report to us and to our colleagues in the National Police,” he stated. He added that through mediation, a conducive public atmosphere can be maintained and can positively impact the wheels of the national economy.