The government has dismissed reports of widespread layoffs in several tin smelter companies in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province (Babel) as a consequence of the recent downturn in the tin industry.

Indah Anggoro Putri, Director-General of Industrial Relations and Social Security at the Ministry of Manpower, said that they have not received any reports of mass layoffs in several tin smelter companies in Babel.

"So far, there have been no reports [regarding mass layoffs]," Indah said on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Similarly, Agus Afandi, Head of the Industrial Relations and Social Security Monitoring Division at the Bangka Belitung Manpower Office, expressed the same sentiment. He said that such reports might be with the City Manpower Office, as they haven't received any reports at the Provincial level.

"Perhaps inquiries could be directed to the City Manpower Office since their jurisdiction covers the city. Meanwhile, at the Provincial Manpower Office, we haven't received any official reports," Agus said.

Agus assured that should mass layofss occur in Babel’s tin smelters, the Bangka-Belitung manpower office would ensure the affected employees receive their full entitlements.

"If there are indeed mass layoffs, then we, as the labor department, will assess whether the workers' rights regarding layoffs have been fulfilled," he said.

Earlier, Member of the House of Representatives, Mulyanto, urged the government to revamp the governance and trading of tin in Babel following reports of mass layoffs in several tin smelter companies. Mulyanto deemed the current management and trading of tin in Babel to be deeply concerning, with smelter companies struggling to obtain raw materials, while on the other hand, local communities being prohibited from mining tin on their own land.

"We want the process of granting artisanal mining permits (IPR) to be simplified and expedited to legalize the traditional tin mining activities that have been carried out by the local communities for centuries. Additionally, to facilitate government oversight," Mulyanto said on Monday, April 22, 2024.

He expressed concern over the poorly organized management of tin, resulting in suboptimal revenue potential for both the government and communities in tin-rich areas.

Mulyanto asked the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to optimize the involvement of all parties to maximize the management of these natural resources, suggesting that the government should not only favor large businesses but also provide opportunities for small entrepreneurs and community groups.