Said Iqbal Stresses Deregulation to Protect Workers

Presidential Special Adviser for Employment and Workers’ Welfare Said Iqbal has emphasised that the government’s deregulation efforts are directed at protecting workers while preventing layoffs. During a visit to Bandung Regency, West Java, on Monday, he described the move as a strategic step to review various regulations considered burdensome for businesses, while maintaining a balance with labour protection. “One of the government’s current protection measures is deregulation. Regulations that burden the business world will be reviewed to ensure business activities continue without neglecting the protection of workers in labour-intensive sectors,” he said. According to him, the government is currently evaluating a number of regulations deemed to burden businesses so as not to hinder the sustainability of national industry, particularly sectors that absorb a large workforce. He cited the textile and garment industry, which was previously affected by Trade Minister Regulation No. 8 of 2023 that opened the door for large-scale imports. This regulation has since been reviewed by the government. “Previously, the textile and garment industry was hit by Trade Minister Regulation No. 8 of 2023, which allowed large-scale imports, especially from China. Currently, the regulation has been reviewed by the government in order to maintain domestic industrial stability,” he said. This policy review is now part of efforts to maintain a balance between domestic industrial competitiveness and labour protection in labour-intensive sectors. Meanwhile, in the field of manpower, the government also plans to revise Manpower Minister Regulation No. 7 of 2026 concerning outsourced workers to provide greater job certainty and strengthen protection for workers against the risk of layoffs. “In the manpower sector, for example, Manpower Minister Regulation No. 7 of 2026 on outsourced workers will also be revised to better protect workers from the threat of layoffs due to an outsourcing status that does not provide job certainty,” he stated. Said Iqbal expressed hope that the government’s deregulation measures would strengthen industrial competitiveness while providing better protection for workers in labour-intensive sectors.