August Spotlight: What’s Happening in the HR World?

Corporate Info

Jakarta Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.18%, Provincial Government Relies on Training and Job Fairs

The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, announced that the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) in Jakarta reached 6.18% in the first semester of 2025, slightly down compared to the same period last year. Although the decline is relatively small, it is still considered an improvement.

To further reduce the TPT, the Jakarta Provincial Government has launched various programs, including 147 active regular training classes, as well as a mobile training unit focused on foreign language learning. This initiative aims to equip Jakarta residents with the competitiveness needed to thrive not only in the domestic labor market but also globally.

In addition to training, the Provincial Government has organized 13 job fairs this year, with a target of 21 by the end of 2025. So far, 1,367 people have secured employment through these programs. Furthermore, the government has also rolled out several social protection programs—such as KJP Plus, KJMU, Child Card, Elderly Card, Disability Card, and subsidized food assistance—as part of its efforts to address persistent social inequality in Jakarta.

Indonesia’s Manufacturing PMI Hits 51.5 in August 2025: Back to Expansion Zone

In August 2025, Indonesia’s Manufacturing PMI rose significantly to 51.5, returning to the expansion zone after four months of contraction. This increase reflects a recovery in both domestic and export demand and signals positive prospects for the sustainability of industrial growth. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang emphasized that national stability will be key to maintaining this recovery momentum.

The PMI growth was driven by several positive indicators: new orders rose to 52.3, including new export orders at 51.2. Production output surged to 52.6. Meanwhile, employment absorption improved with the employment index reaching 50.4, and raw material purchasing activity increased to 51.6. These figures indicate recovery across many aspects of the manufacturing supply chain.

For the labor market, this expansion trend opens up broader opportunities for job creation. At this point, recruitment firms and headhunters can play a critical role in supporting the demand for specialized talent increasingly needed by the manufacturing industry to maintain competitiveness.

Tokopedia Reportedly Lays Off 420 Employees, Here’s the Company’s Statement

Tokopedia has reportedly laid off around 420 employees over the past two months—180 in July and 240 in August 2025—across several divisions, including information technology (IT), customer care, warehousing, and order fulfillment.

In response, a spokesperson for TikTok (Tokopedia’s parent company) stated that the move was part of a routine evaluation of business needs and internal restructuring. While the statement did not explicitly mention layoffs, it indicated efficiency measures aimed at strengthening the organization and improving user services. TikTok also reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in Tokopedia and Indonesia as part of its long-term growth and innovation strategy.

HR/Labour Law

Workplace Violence Victims Now Covered by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan’s Work Accident Insurance (JKK)

The Ministry of Manpower has issued Ministerial Regulation (Permenaker) No. 1 of 2025, revising Permenaker No. 5 of 2021, concerning the administration of Work Accident Insurance (JKK), Death Insurance (JKM), and Old Age Benefits (JHT). One of the key changes is the expanded coverage of JKK to include victims of physical violence or sexual assault in the workplace as part of the definition of a work accident.

Under this regulation, victims can file claims by submitting a police report and a medical examination report (visum et repertum) to access JKK benefits. Beyond expanding the definition of work accidents, the regulation also introduces additional provisions: the obligation to register non-ASN employees in government institutions under JKK and JKM, more flexible scholarship benefits for workers’ children, and claim arrangements for workers with multiple employers.

These changes aim to enhance protection certainty for program participants and simplify the process for workers or their heirs when filing claims related to work accidents, death, or old-age benefits.

The Benefits of SIAPkerja for Job Seekers and Freelancers

SIAPkerja, launched by the Ministry of Manpower, serves as an integrated solution for job seekers and freelancers. Through this platform, users can access various benefits, from job vacancy information, training and competency certification, to entrepreneurship programs that help improve skills and job opportunities. These features not only expand employment opportunities but also encourage career development and worker independence.

Accessing SIAPkerja is simple. Job seekers only need to register via the official website https://siap-kerja.kemnaker.go.id or the mobile app. After creating an account and completing a profile, users can immediately take advantage of the available services, such as job search, online training, and certification programs. With this ecosystem, SIAPkerja becomes an important bridge connecting the workforce, training, and industry.

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