PT Sritex, one of Indonesia’s largest textile companies, is set to close its operations on March 1, 2025. This decision comes after a round of negotiations, leading to mass layoffs affecting around 8,400 employees. According to Sumarno, Head of the Sukoharjo Industry and Manpower Office (Disperinaker), the layoffs were officially decided on February 26, with the last working day scheduled for February 28.

Following the closure, the responsibility for employee wages and severance pay will be handled by a court-appointed curator. Meanwhile, old-age security benefits (JHT) will be processed through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.

In response to the mass layoffs, Disperinaker Sukoharjo has prepared around 8,000 new job openings in other companies within the region, aiming to support those affected by the sudden job losses.

Rumors of Sritex's shutdown spread widely on social media, with one Facebook user, Husni Hidayah, sharing the results of a recent meeting that outlined five key points. These included confirmation that February 28 would be the final working day, severance and holiday bonuses would be paid once the company’s assets were sold or a new investor was found, and personal items left at the factory should be collected by employees. The post also mentioned that letters for JHT and job loss security (JKP) would be issued starting February 28.

Sritex General Manager Haryo Ngadiyono remained tight-lipped about the situation, stating the company is waiting for the final court ruling in Semarang on February 28.

Additionally, the Chair of the Sritex branch of the All-Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI), Widada, confirmed that some workers had already received their layoff letters from the curator, distributed through the company’s management. These letters serve as official documentation for both the layoffs and JHT claims.

The future of Sritex now hinges on the court’s final decision and the potential arrival of new investors. In the meantime, the company’s 8,400 former employees are left navigating the uncertainty of finding new job opportunities.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/BLOOMBERG

This article was created with AI assistance.