TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Manpower spokesperson Chairul Fadhly Harahap on Tuesday assured that his office has temporarily halted serving applicants for foreign workers' (TKA) permits. However, this will not affect foreign workers in national strategic projects that are deemed vital for the nation.

The workers will only be able to obtain permits under a special written permit from state ministries or institutions as long as it adheres to existing Indonesian health protocols.

This is based on the latest circular on the services of foreign workforces and preventing the spread of coronavirus under Circular (SE) No M/3/HK.04/II/2021.

The Ministry of Manpower said that the government is committed to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic but will allow the economy to continue especially in national strategic projects, as long as it is broadly beneficial.

These foreign workers were brought as a subject of technological transfer that would eventually absorb more domestic workforces. The government claimed these workers were brought to Indonesia to support the national economic growth, among others.

The ministry spokesperson said the number of foreign workers will not exceed Indonesian workers in a workplace. He added that the government always pays attention to the use of local workforces before others.

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MUHAMMAD HENDARTYO