TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko stated that the purpose of Presidential Regulation No.20/2018 on Foreign Workers (TKA) is to protect local labor.
Moeldoko said the government aims to balance the needs of foreign investment and opening opportunities for domestic workers.
"People should fully understand this presidential regulation—and not only take bits of information. The spirit is actually to protect our workforce," Moeldoko said in a written statement, Tuesday, May 1.
Moeldoko said that although the regulation simplifies the licensing process and accelerates services in the hiring of foreign workers, there are also conditions aimed at prioritizing the employment of Indonesian labor. Additionally, there are clauses mandating the transfer of technology, expertise and knowledge from foreign workers to local.
Read: Regulation on Foreign Workers to Simplify Licensing Process: VP
The rule, he said, also reinforced various sanctions for the abuse of foreign employment. The former TNI commander said that in the old Perpres, there was no clarity of sanctions.
Presidential Regulation No.20/2018 on the Use of Foreign Workers became a polemic after the government issued it by the end of March 2018. Some workers' organizations refused it, over fears that it will limit job opportunities for local labor.
Two factions in the House of Representatives, Gerindra Party and Prosperous Justice Party, even plan to establish a special committee to investigate foreign workers.
Moeldoko admitted that the regulation is vulnerable to become a political tool to corner the government. However, Moeldoko said he would continue to disseminate it and give truthful information about the regulation.
