Puan Wants PHK Task Force to Anticipate Potential Layoff Waves

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the government’s Layoff Task Force (Satgas PHK) to anticipate potential waves of job cuts. Puan stressed that the approach to layoff threats must not be merely reactive after incidents occur, but should detect pressures in the labour sector early on. “This kind of approach is necessary so that the state does not act only after waves of layoffs grow large, but has anticipatory instruments that can match industry needs, labour conditions, and faster protective measures for workers,” Puan said in her statement on Saturday (2/5/2026). Moreover, layoff threats are beginning to be felt and need to be addressed seriously by the government. According to Puan, labour groups even estimate that around 9,000 workers could be affected in the near future. This situation is seen as a warning signal for the government in maintaining labour stability. In addition, she emphasised the importance of the state’s role in providing social safety nets for workers affected by layoffs. According to her, job loss not only impacts individuals but also affects people’s purchasing power and overall economic stability. “Layoff threats are not just about job loss, but also have implications for people’s purchasing power and overall economic stability,” Puan said. She affirmed that the state must ensure every worker feels secure about their future. “When job uncertainty increases, social pressures will be felt much more quickly at the family level. This is about household basic needs, children’s education, and other living requirements,” she said. Puan assured that the DPR will continue to monitor government policies in the labour sector, including pushing for concrete steps to anticipate potential layoff waves.