TEMPO.CO, Semarang- Over 1,000 workers in Central Java Province were laid off as a result of rupiah depreciation the US dollar.

“The economic slowdown in August has caused 1,305 workers from garment, textile and plastic industries were laid off since industries need imported materials,” Wika Bintang, the head of Central Java manpower, transmigration and demography Agency, said in Semarang on Thursday, August 27.

According to Wika, his agency could not prevent 23 companies in eleven regencies and cities in Central Java from laying off their workers.

“We’re calling on companies to suspend their lay off plans as long as possible. We are open for communication and consultation whenever needed,” he said.

Wika added that he had asked companies to pay the compensation to the workers. In order to facilitate the workers, the agency has prepared professional training, so that the workers would be able to find other jobs or open their own business.

“We have training centers in 35 regencies and cities that will provide training for the workers. There is a garment company in Boyolali that needs 1,000 workers. Perhaps they [who have been laid off] would be interested,” he said.

Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo said that his administration had ensured that the companies would pay compensations to the workers. Ganjar explained that the agency would soon establish posts to receive reports from workers related to the compensations.

“The government will help workers affected by the lay off,” he said.

ANTARA