TEMPO.CO, Semarang - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that he is working with nine companies that have expressed willingness to hire workers laid off by PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex). The textile company, based in Sukoharjo, terminated all its employees as of March 1.

"We have coordinated with HR departments and the labor office to facilitate job placements. The condition is that applicants must not be older than 45 years," Luthfi said on Monday, March 3.

However, he did not disclose the names of the nine companies, mentioning only that they operate in the garment, footwear, and tobacco industries.

Government Assistance and Entrepreneurship Support

Governor Luthfi, a former Central Java Police Chief, added that the Central Java Manpower Office is working with the Social Security Agency (BPJS) and the Sukoharjo Regency Government to ensure severance pay and pension benefits are disbursed. "We hope these payments can be made before Eid," he said.

For former Sritex employees interested in entrepreneurship, the Central Java government will provide support, including training programs at the provincial job training center (BLK).

Manpower Minister: Sritex Workers May Be Rehired

Manpower Minister Yassierli noted that the court-appointed administrators of PT Sritex are exploring options to lease company assets, which could create opportunities for former employees to be rehired.

During a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, alongside other ministers of the Merah Putih Cabinet, Yassierli stated that former employees could potentially resume work within two weeks, depending on the outcome of the Sritex asset auction. 

"The Ministry of Manpower appreciates the administrators' efforts, as they have indicated that within two weeks, workers may be reemployed. This could provide some reassurance to those affected by the layoffs," Yassierli said, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the government is monitoring the situation to ensure that Sritex Group and its four subsidiaries fulfill their obligations to laid-off workers, including severance pay and employment-related social security benefits. "This includes old-age benefits (JHT) and unemployment insurance (JKP), which we hope will be accessible as soon as possible," he added.

12,000 Workers Affected by Mass Layoffs

PT Sritex CEO Iwan Kurniawan Lukminto previously expressed appreciation for employees, whose hard work and dedication have contributed to the company’s growth.

Due to Sritex’s bankruptcy, approximately 8,000 workers in Sukoharjo have lost their jobs. Across Sritex and its three subsidiaries, a total of 12,000 employees have been affected. 

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