Prabowo Orders Layoff Task Force to Address US Tariff Impact

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has instructed his administration to form a special task force to address the potential wave of layoffs resulting from the United States’ reciprocal tariff policy.

The move follows a proposal from Said Iqbal, President of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), during an economic forum titled "Strengthening Indonesia's Economic Resilience Amid Trade Tariff Turbulence" in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"I agree, let’s immediately form a Layoff Task Force. Involve the government, trade unions, academics, university rectors, and the BPJS (Social Security Agency)," Prabowo said, as quoted on Antara, during a Q&A session at the forum.

The President called on his team to secure a dedicated office space for the task force, which will aim to connect laid-off workers with available employment opportunities.

“Our nation must be run like a family. If workers are displaced, we must protect and care for them. We must map where jobs are available and where layoffs are happening, so we can respond swiftly,” he emphasized as quoted on Antara.

Said Iqbal warned that around 50,000 workers in sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear, palm oil, electronics, and auto parts could face layoffs within the next three months due to the U.S. tariff hike under President Donald Trump’s trade policy.

He added that many companies have already notified employees of possible layoffs, and the proposed task force would also help prevent labor strikes and ensure workers’ rights are protected during the layoff process.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas