TVRI and RRI Worker Layoffs Canceled, Budget Efficiency Should Start from the Leadership

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The Public Broadcasting Institution (LPP) Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) and Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) have canceled the dismissal of their employees. This cancellation was made following a relaxation of budget cuts. The House of Representatives reminded that budget efficiency should start from the leadership, not by immediately terminating employment.

The cancellation of the layoffs was conveyed by the directors of TVRI and RRI during a hearing with Commission VII of the House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/2/2025). Several members of the House of Representatives reminded that budget efficiency carried out by the central government should not result in the dismissal of workers, including contributors in the regions.

"Budget cuts should be made from the top (leadership), not from the bottom. If it comes from the leadership, a lot can be cut," said a member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle faction, Putra Nababan.

According to Putra, the reduction of workers as a result of budget efficiency is very concerning. This is because these workers are also responsible for meeting the needs of their families.

"I request that the priority programs of this institution do not lay off its employees, whether they are permanent, non-permanent, honorary, or contributors. Moreover, the work carried out by the contributors and correspondents is very dedicated," he said.

Member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives from the Nasdem Party, Erna Sari Dewi, also criticized the policy of layoffs of TVRI and RRI workers. The former TVRI Bengkulu broadcaster said that there are still many workers who are paid below the regional minimum wage (UMR).

"Efficiency is not just about cutting numbers. Efficiency is about making work effective and efficient. This (layoffs of TVRI and RRI workers) is a sad reality," he said.

The Chairman of Commission VII of the DPR, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, stated that the central government has reconstructed the budget in each ministry/agency, including in TVRI and RRI. This relaxation reduces budget cuts in both institutions.

TVRI's budget cuts, which were previously Rp 732.29 billion, were reduced to Rp 455.7 billion. Meanwhile, RRI's budget cuts were reduced from Rp 334.09 billion to Rp 170.9 billion.

"This budget efficiency does not have an impact on employee cuts. We hope that contributors can continue to work calmly, focus, and improve their performance. Once again, there is no reduction or layoff of employees. In fact, honorarium cuts are not allowed," said Saleh.

The job cuts as a result of budget efficiency are very worrying. Because, these workers are also responsible for meeting the needs of family life.

In the conclusion of the hearing, Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives asked the President Directors of TVRI and RRI not to lay off employees, reduce employees, and cut their contributors' honorariums. In addition, conveying details of the program for using the reconstruction budget as a monitoring material.

Saleh added that in the next two weeks, his party will visit the TVRI and RRI offices to ensure the commitment not to reduce workers under the pretext of efficiency. "We will supervise. If the directors do that (lay off workers), we have the authority to supervise the government's performance, including these directors (TVRI and RRI). I think it will not be violated. Moreover, the budget is already available," he explained.

TVRI President Director Iman Brotoseno said that the policy of laying off workers that occurred before the relaxation of budget cuts occurred in several regions. Of the total 402 contributors throughout Indonesia, around 100 people were "laid off".

The workers will be re-employed soon. That way, no more workers will be laid off due to budget efficiency carried out by the central government.

"We, right, get budget relaxation from the government, there is an addition. So, we can do that (continue to employ contributors). Indeed, the direction from the government (additional) budget is to ensure that honorary workers or contributors continue to work," he said.

RRI President Director Hendrasmo said that on Tuesday (11/2/2025) night, his party had sent a note to the regions about no layoffs. This decision was taken after there was certainty of relaxation of budget cuts from the central government.

"We continue to support the efficiency program. We are committed to saving electricity costs, reducing business trips and ceremonies, and holding meetings online," he said.

Hendrasmo said that his party employs 979 contributors throughout Indonesia. Before the relaxation of budget cuts, around 10-20 employees were "laid off".