Government Follows Up on 17+8 Aspirations with Policies to Protect Workers and Prevent Layoffs
By: Hendri Hendrawan
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing workers’ aspirations, known as “17+8,” a collection of demands championed by labor unions across various sectors. These aspirations encompass 17 primary demands and 8 additional ones, which primarily address the protection of workers’ rights, job security, and social security. In this context, the government is moving quickly to ensure that the policies adopted are not merely formal responses but genuinely address real issues on the ground. This step also serves as a form of political communication that workers’ voices are a crucial part of shaping the direction of national economic development.
One of the main focuses of this follow-up policy is protecting workers vulnerable to layoffs. The global situation, which has not yet fully recovered from the pandemic, coupled with economic pressures from inflation and industrial slowdown, makes the threat of layoffs even more real. The government is formulating more adaptive policies to prevent companies from taking shortcuts by laying off workers. The approaches offered include tax incentives for companies that retain their workforce, as well as wage subsidy programs targeted at labor-intensive sectors.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government continues to issue policies aimed at creating jobs. Furthermore, the government is strengthening oversight of labor practices that violate regulations. The “17+8” aspirations highlight persistent violations, ranging from unclear employment contracts, detrimental outsourcing systems, to issues of substandard wages.
Another equally important step is to open up space for ongoing social dialogue. The government recognizes that the world of work is highly dynamic, so policies cannot be static. Through a tripartite forum between the government, employers, and labor unions, it is hoped that a common understanding will emerge in finding joint solutions. This forum also serves as a means to ensure that the “17+8” aspirations do not remain merely a document of demands, but are truly used as a reference in strategic decision-making in the employment sector.
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Kemenko Kumham Imipas), Yusril Ihza Mahendra, emphasized that the government has responded positively to these demands. Regarding the legal and human rights sector, Yusril stated that the government upholds and implements the law fairly, transparently, and upholds human rights. He also assured that the basic rights of those suspected of violating the law will remain protected. He also assured that the law will be upheld fairly. Yusril will coordinate with all law enforcement officials regarding this matter.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), emphasized that his party is listening openly and encouraging joint dialogue to find solutions. He stated that employment issues such as living wages, employment contract protection, and the threat of mass layoffs cannot be addressed solely with technical regulations but require a healthy communication space between the government, the House of Representatives (DPR), employers, and labor unions. AHY stated that although he serves as Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, he is also present as a party leader with an obligation to respond to public concerns. He assessed that the dialogue forum opened by the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the government deserves appreciation because it can serve as a bridge to formulate fairer and more pro-worker employment policies.
Ahy’s statement also emphasized that employment issues must be a priority in every development policy. Amid global challenges that have the potential to reduce job opportunities, political parties and the government need to demonstrate a real commitment to maintaining employment stability. Inclusive dialogue is expected to go beyond simply conveying aspirations, but also result in concrete steps such as skills improvement programs, broader social security, and support for labor-intensive industries so they can continue to absorb a large workforce.
Employment issues remain at the heart of these aspirations. Demands for a living wage, protection for contract workers, and open dialogue on outsourcing have received attention. The government is strengthening tripartite dialogue channels between employers, labor unions, and the state to seek joint solutions. In this way, the voices of workers, often marginalized, are becoming a key ingredient in formulating fairer minimum wage and work standards policies.
