Govt Urged to Expand Stimulus to Prevent Layoffs as Jakarta Reimposes PSBB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Logistics Association chairman Zaldi Ilham Masita asked the government to provide additional stimulus for the industry following the reimposition of the large-scale social restriction or PSBB in Jakarta.

The restriction, he added, would further drop the industry’s performance due to lower demand for cargo.

“PSBB means there will be a drop in logistics needs because factories and retails are closed,” said Zaldi to Tempo on Thursday, September 10.

Corporations, he admitted, needed extra efforts to survive amid the possibility of an economic downturn. If there is no support from the government, the wave of layoffs will increase, Zaldi argued.

At the same time, business players were preparing to deal with a possible recession at the end of the third quarter of this year, Zaldi added. One of the anticipatory measures taken was by maintaining the cash flow.

“There is a positive growth ahead of the third quarter’s end, but the movement [of goods] is still below normal,” Zaldi said.

He further revealed worry among industry players over uncertainty in the business climate. Moreover, the government had not yet controlled Covid-19 transmission consistently which led to a rising curve.

Despite the unpredictable flow of goods, Zaldi ensured logistics delivery firms would continue to operate under health protocols. Thus he hoped the government would ensure the availability and affordable price of personal protective equipment.

Read also: Jakarta PSBB Reimposed; Offices Barred from Operating Starting Monday

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA