Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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55,000 Workers Face Layoffs as Indonesia Tackles Industrial Gas Price Crisis
About 55,000 Indonesian manufacturing workers face potential layoffs due to industrial gas prices surging from US$6 to US$23. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad directly telephoned Pertamina's CEO during a workers' congress on June 23, 2026, and demanded urgent talks with labor representatives within 48 hours to find a solution.





Quick Facts
Who
Andi Gani Nena Wea
What
Warning issued about mass layoffs in manufacturing sector
When
June 23, 2026
Where
Jakarta, Indonesia
- Warning issued about mass layoffs in manufacturing sector
- Industrial gas price crisis threatens ceramic and textile industries
- Deputy Speaker telephoned Pertamina CEO during workers' congress
- Call made to arrange emergency talks between Pertamina and labor representatives
- Factory closures reported in ceramic sector
A severe industrial crisis looms in Indonesia as approximately 55,000 workers across the manufacturing sector face potential layoffs due to skyrocketing natural gas prices. The warning came from Andi Gani Nena Wea, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPI), who presented the dire situation to Deputy Speaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad during a national workers' congress in Jakarta on June 23, 2026.
The ceramic and textile industries have been hit particularly hard by the surge in industrial gas costs. Andi Gani reported that two major ceramic factories in Bekasi have already closed, with others—including Milenium Keramik and Mulia Keramik—expected to follow suit imminently. The price of industrial gas has risen dramatically from approximately US$6 to US$23, a level manufacturers say is unsustainable given their dependence on gas as a primary energy source for production. Andi Gani warned that without swift intervention, mass layoffs could occur within the next 10 days.
Dasco responded immediately and decisively, telephoning Pertamina's Chief Executive Officer Simon Aloysius Mantiri during the congress session while attendees listened. In the call, Dasco stressed the urgency of the situation and expressed concern that the threatened job losses cannot be taken lightly. He requested that Pertamina engage with workers' representatives within 48 hours to develop a viable solution acceptable to all parties involved.
Dasco acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that initial measures to mitigate the crisis must be implemented quickly to prevent thousands of workers from losing their livelihoods. The deputy speaker proposed that representatives from Pertamina meet with labor union delegates within one to two days to explore concrete remedies. This high-level intervention reflects growing political concern over the potential economic and social impact of mass unemployment in key manufacturing sectors.
Why This Matters
This crisis directly affects tens of thousands of Indonesian workers and their families, threatening widespread unemployment in key manufacturing sectors. The high-level political intervention signals that policymakers recognize the urgency, but swift resolution is critical to prevent factory closures and job losses within days. For readers and stakeholders, the outcome of emergency talks between Pertamina and labor unions will determine whether mass layoffs can be averted and what stabilization measures will be implemented for industrial energy costs.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireAndi Gani Nena Wea presents industrial gas crisis warning at KSPI National Congress in Jakarta
Jun 23, 2026
WireSufmi Dasco Ahmad telephones Pertamina CEO Simon Aloysius Mantiri during congress to address crisis
Jun 23, 2026
WireDasco proposes emergency meeting between Pertamina and labor representatives within 48 hours
Jun 30, 2026
WirePredicted deadline for mass layoffs if gas price crisis remains unresolved (within 10 days)