**Sritex Workers and Traders Threaten to Protest in Jakarta if Demands are not Met**
**Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How**
The fate of workers at PT Sri Rejeki Isman Tbk (Sritex) remains uncertain following the company’s bankruptcy declaration. In an effort to demand job security and the survival of the company, initially, workers planned a peaceful protest in Jakarta on 14-15 January 2025. However, this plan was canceled, and only 15 representatives were sent after Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan (Noel) visited Sritex, requesting management to ensure there would be no layoffs on Wednesday (1/8/2025).
**Expert Commentary on the Situation**
Coordinator of the Sritex Group Workers Union, Slamet Kaswanto, explained that if the meeting in Jakarta does not yield results, Sritex workers will carry out a large-scale peaceful protest. He expressed concerns that if the meeting fails, families of workers and small business owners around the Sritex factory are prepared to join, estimating that 50,000 people would head to Jakarta.
**Potential Impacts and Demands**
Slamet emphasized that the government has not yet provided substantial assistance to Sritex workers amidst the bankruptcy status, putting them at risk of layoffs. The workers will bring two demands to the table: job security for employees and the continuation of Sritex’s operations.
**Government’s Stance and Support**
Despite these challenges, Slamet shared that during their meeting with the Deputy Minister of Manpower, the government expressed readiness to support the company’s sustainability, using the term “forceful” to describe their commitment. This assurance from the government signifies a potential lifeline for Sritex workers and the company’s future.
It is evident that the situation at Sritex is delicate, with the livelihoods of many hanging in the balance. The upcoming meetings in Jakarta will be crucial in determining the path forward for both the workers and the company. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
