Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, has stated that the majority of workers in Indonesia belong to the so-called "sandwich generation.""I have not figured out the exact number, but we are convinced that most of our workers belong to the sandwich generation," he remarked during an International May Day Fiesta event that was followed online from Jakarta on Monday. The "sandwich generation" refers to those who are burdened not only with their own welfare, but also that of their parents and children, the minister explained. "We should closely monitor this generation so that it does not serve as an obstacle to our efforts to accelerate development in Indonesia," he said. ccording to Effendy, the "sandwich generation" is vulnerable to poverty. If they are laid off, those whom they financially support are also affected. "Once they are laid off, the poverty rate will rise. This exacerbates the fact that the extent of extreme poverty in Indonesia is still high, with six million people falling into this category," he said. To address the issue, he outlined at least five schemes that are being prepared by the government through the Workers Social Security Program (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan), namely insurance cover for work accidents, death, pension, old age, and lay-offs. "These five insurances are expected to significantly improve the well-being of our laborers or workers. The insurances also aim to provide more comfort to them so that they will no longer need to worry about their future," he said. When people from the "sandwich generation" are laid off, they will also be entitled to reskilling and upskilling programs, including the Pre-Employment Card. Additionally, for workers wishing to become entrepreneurs, the government will also provide several financing packages. "Systemically, these efforts should already be underway. It is now just a matter of disseminating and socializing to the workers so that they can choose several packages to suit their needs," he said. In the future, he added, the government will also expand the participation of the workforce in informal sectors to ensure that those from the sectors can benefit from the schemes. "This is a mechanism that I believe has been relatively well-organized," he said. Effendy also emphasized that bureaucrats should provide their best services in support of the government so that the programs can be implemented well.
Source: Antara News Agency