Dasco Calls Pertamina CEO Amidst Spotlight on 55,000 Worker Layoff Threat
The threat of layoffs for 55,000 workers in Bekasi has come under scrutiny due to the surge in industrial gas prices. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, immediately contacted the President Director of Pertamina to seek a solution.
UPDATEYUK - The threat of layoffs for tens of thousands of workers due to industrial gas issues has become a serious concern for the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). The Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, directly contacted the President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Simon Aloysius Mantiri, while attending the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesian Workers' Confederation (KSPI) on Tuesday (23/6/2026).
This step was taken after Dasco received complaints from labor unions regarding the scarcity of supply and the soaring price of industrial gas, which is considered to threaten the operational continuity of several factories.
According to information provided by the labor union leaders, around 55,000 workers in the Bekasi area are at risk of losing their jobs in the near future if the issue is not addressed immediately.
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Dasco Calls Pertamina CEO During KSPI Rakernas
Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI Sufmi Dasco Ahmad attending and opening the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Indonesian Workers' Confederation (KSPI) in Jakarta, Tuesday (23/6/2026).
In his speech to the workers, Dasco admitted to receiving many questions regarding the industrial gas issue that is currently being complained about by businesses and workers.
"Hello, Mr. Pertamina CEO, I am currently at the KSPI Working Meeting. I was just asked about the industrial gas problem. So, I had prepared a speech, but it's all scattered now because of the gas issue," said Dasco while calling the Pertamina CEO during his speech session, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (23/6/2026).
Through the phone call, which was played for the event participants, Dasco asked for an explanation of the steps Pertamina would take to help resolve the issue.
Responding to this, Simon Aloysius Mantiri stated that his party would immediately coordinate with PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) to find a solution that could assist the industrial sector.
"I will certainly coordinate immediately with PGN, and from our side, our commitment is to make adjustments, of course, after following the molecular adjustments of LNG," replied Simon.
He emphasized that Pertamina is committed to supporting the sustainability of national industry, including through efforts to adjust gas prices to be more competitive.
"We will certainly do our best, Mr. Dasco, so that there is an improvement soon, and of course, to support our friends in the industry with appropriate prices," said Simon.
Industrial Gas Price Cited as Trigger for Crisis
On the same occasion, Dasco reminded that the industrial gas issue not only impacts businesses but also has the potential to cause massive waves of layoffs.
"So in the last few days, there have been threats of layoffs. So perhaps we also need to find a way out, or then also, these imminent layoffs must be mitigated. How can these factories, around 55,000 (workers) are reportedly threatened with layoffs, and of course, that is very concerning," said Dasco.
He then proposed that Pertamina and worker union representatives hold a meeting soon to find a joint solution.
"Well, perhaps we can sit down today or tomorrow with representatives from the workers, one or two (labor associations), so that we can find a way out," said Dasco.
Labor Unions Say Two Large Factories Are Preparing to Close
The President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI), Andi Gani Nena Wea, stated that the threat of layoffs for around 55,000 workers is not just a prediction, but a condition that could occur in the near future.
"It can be confirmed, Bang Dasco, next week, within a maximum of 10 days, 55,000 people will be laid off. This is our collective concern because of industrial gas," said Andi Gani.
According to him, several large companies in Bekasi have been affected by the high price of industrial gas and have begun to take efficiency measures.
"Today, we are experiencing extraordinary difficulties. Two of my largest member factories in Bekasi are closing, Bang. That's Granito, soon to be followed by Milenium Keramik and Mulia Keramik, because of industrial gas," explained Andi Gani.
He mentioned that employers have conveyed their plans for layoffs because the company's operations are becoming increasingly difficult to run.
"Because Granit is the largest factory in Bekasi, a large KSPSI member there, consequently, the employers gathered yesterday afternoon and confirmed that they will lay off all their workers," he revealed.
Andi Gani explained that the industrial gas price, which was previously around US$6 per MMBtu, has now surged to around US$23 per MMBtu.
"Because the gas price has gone from US$6, as of today it is US$23 per MMBtu. So this is very frightening. Soon, the textile industry will follow, basically, anyone using industrial gas will surely face difficulties," he added.
He hopes that the government and related parties will immediately take concrete steps so that the wave of layoffs does not spread to other industrial sectors. (*)
