Who Deserves to Be Called a Leader?
A true leader is not someone who stands on the podium during times of profit, but one who remains accountable when storms come. Sadly, Sritex has shown the face of a corporation that only cares about profit, not the people behind the production machines.
The refusal to pay severance, even though the legal obligation now lies with the curator, reflects a loss of social responsibility. The Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, firmly stated that the moral responsibility still rests on the shoulders of the previous management. This is not just about numbers on a balance sheet, but about justice for the people who gave their lives to the company.
When Workers Become the Final Victims
The Confederation of Nusantara Trade Unions (KSPN) recorded that 10,965 workers have been laid off since early 2025. These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a family, children, and shattered dreams.
The curator is indeed preparing to auction off Sritex's assets starting in July, but will that be enough to fulfill the rights of workers, whose numbers are extraordinarily high? Especially when we see that the amount of debt far exceeds the value of assets available for sale. Even the President of KSPN acknowledges that this struggle could take a very long time.
The Nation's Dilemma: Legal Justice or Social Justice?
The Attorney General's Office has shown firmness by naming Iwan a suspect, but the legal process could take a long time. Meanwhile, former Sritex workers are battling hunger, household debt, and anxiety about the future. The country is facing a major dilemma: should we be satisfied with merely punishing the corrupt, or must we also ensure that the victims of corruption do not continue to suffer?
The Ministry of Manpower's swift action in guaranteeing new job placements is a good step. But will that be enough without real efforts to restore the economic well-being of workers' families?
Time to Cultivate Shame Among Elites
