Said Iqbal: Government Deregulation Protects Workers and Prevents Layoffs
Presidential Special Adviser for Employment and Worker Welfare, Said Iqbal, has affirmed that the deregulation steps taken by the government aim to protect workers while preventing layoffs. This effort is carried out by reviewing regulations deemed to hinder the business world without neglecting workers’ rights.
During a visit to Bandung Regency, West Java, on Monday (22/6), Said described deregulation as a strategic step to maintain a balance between business continuity and labour protection, especially in labour-intensive sectors.
“One of the government’s current protection measures is deregulation. Regulations that complicate the business world will be reviewed to ensure business activities continue without neglecting worker protection,” said Said Iqbal.
He explained that the government is evaluating a number of regulations considered burdensome to national industry. One clear example is the review of Trade Ministerial Regulation Number 8 of 2023, which previously had a negative impact on the textile and garment industry due to a flood of imported products.
“Previously, the textile and garment industry was hit by Trade Ministerial Regulation Number 8 of 2023, which allowed large-scale imports, especially from China. Currently, that regulation has been reviewed by the government in order to maintain domestic industrial stability,” he added.
In addition to trade regulations, the government is also focusing on improving employment rules. Said revealed a plan to revise Manpower Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2026 concerning outsourced workers. This revision is intended to provide stronger job security for workers.
“Manpower Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2026 will be revised to better protect workers from the threat of layoffs due to outsourced worker status, which does not provide job certainty,” Said emphasised.
Through this series of deregulation measures, the government hopes that the competitiveness of national industry can increase, while simultaneously providing better protection guarantees for workers throughout Indonesia.