With Incentives, We Won’t be Displaced

Many people made jobless as a result of the health and economic crisis found it difficult to access aid through the Pre-Employment Card program.

KOMPAS/KURNIA YUNITA RAHAYU

Elma Meika (23) did a training assignment in the lobby of the Mulya Jaya Social Rehabilitation Hall, East Jakarta, Tuesday (26/5/2020). Since dropping out of work without severance (PHK) from a textile factory affected by Covid-19, evicted from a rented house, and accommodated in a social rehabilitation center, he is determined to hone his skills so she can build his own business.

Elma Meika, 21, and her cousin Juliana, 22, have been laid off since March 2020 from the textile factory where they worked in Jatiuwung of Tangerang municipality, Banten. The factory ceased its operations because importing basic materials was hampered by international restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Elma and Juliana have been living off the last salaries they received before they were laid off. However, this amounts to just Rp 2.8 million, and they cannot do much to spread it further. They have already spent the money on food and one month’s rent.