TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Erick Thohir, has claimed that there is a public misconception, resulting from the Ministry of State Owned Enterprises’ circular number S-336 / MBU / 05/2020 dated May 15, 2020.

"In the circular addressed to internal SOE (employees), it is clearly stated that the exact date of returning to the office for the majority of SOEs employees will wait for the government's decision regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Central Government and the Regional Government as well as the Eid holidays, as according to the Government's decision," Erick said through a written statement, on Tuesday May 19, 2020.

However, Erick continued, SOE employees whose services are essential for the public, such as the state electricity firm PLN, and state oil company Pertamina, will continue to work in accordance with applicable protocols.

Previously, the public had interpreted the five phases of pandemic recovery detailed in the circular to be an instruction from the Ministry, calling for SOE employees under the age of 45 years of age to return to office, starting from May 25.

Instead of returning back to work, Erick clarified, SOEs on May 25 will instead form a plan for every business unit, detailing the Standard Operational Procedure set to be applied during the COVID-19 recovery period. “(May 25) is not the schedule to return back to the office,” Erick stated.

In addition, Erick emphasized that all SOEs are still currently waiting for an official announcement from the central government regarding permits and physical activity protocols for during the COVID-19 recovery period.

“However, once the decision has been announced; all of the SOEs need to be ready. As part of the preparation, SOEs will present their guidelines to all of its employees on the 25th," he said.

According to Erick, trends of social, economic, environment and business changes will happen during the COVID-19 recovery period, also known as the ‘new normal.’ As part of these changes, Erick sees that physical interaction will be greatly limited, in favor of digital interaction.

"As such, we need a contingency strategy that adapts to the (new) social, economic, cultural and environmental conditions," he added.

EKO WAHYUDI | DIO SUHENDA (INTERN TRANSLATOR)