Entering the first quarter of 2025, Indonesia’s employment landscape is once again showing dynamic movement. Changes in international trade policies, developments in local industries, and overseas job opportunities are shaping industry shifts and HR strategies across various sectors.
To help you stay updated, HRnetRimbun has compiled key highlights from March that HR practitioners, business leaders, and job seekers should keep an eye on.
1. U.S. Import Tariff Hike: A Domino Effect on Employment?
One international development that has impacted domestic industries is the U.S. government’s decision to raise import tariffs on steel and aluminum. On March 12, 2025, the U.S. announced that tariffs on these two commodities would rise from 10% to 25%. This increase affects not only raw material prices but also puts pressure on production costs for companies in Indonesia, particularly in the automotive, textile, and heavy manufacturing sectors.
For HR professionals, this could mean two things. First, companies may pursue cost-cutting measures, including recruitment freezes or workforce reductions. Second, there will be a greater need to design flexible workforce planning strategies to ensure business continuity despite external pressures.
However, not all sectors are negatively affected. The healthcare, renewable energy, and e-commerce industries continue to demonstrate resilience. Rising demand and the push for digital transformation have kept these sectors actively hiring.
2. Sudden Layoffs at Avoskin: Ethics in HR Policies Under Scrutiny
PT AVO Innovation & Technology, the Yogyakarta-based skincare company known for its brand Avoskin, has come under public scrutiny after abruptly laying off several employees on March 21, 2025.
The layoffs were criticized as inhumane. Affected employees were summoned to the office under the pretense of attending a town hall meeting. Some out-of-town employees were asked to return to Yogyakarta on short notice. There were also reports of restrictions, such as parking bans and heavy security supervision.
This move sparked backlash from the public and worker communities, emphasizing the need for ethical and transparent termination processes. Many questioned whether the mass layoffs followed the legally required procedures.
3. Yupi Goes Public: Expansion Plans and Talent Recruitment Opportunities
Positive news comes from PT Yupi Indo Jelly Gum Tbk, the iconic candy manufacturer from Yogyakarta. On March 25, 2025, Yupi officially went public on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, raising IDR 2.04 trillion through its IPO.
Part of the funds will be used to build a new production facility in Nganjuk, East Java, with an estimated cost of IDR 437.5 billion. The factory is expected to start operations in 2026. The remaining funds will support business expansion both domestically and internationally, including operational costs, inventory procurement, and workforce expansion.
Yupi President Director Yohanes Teja stated that the expansion aims to strengthen Yupi’s global presence and solidify its leadership in the domestic market. As of September 2024, Yupi posted a 10% year-on-year profit increase to IDR 484 billion, with an average annual profit growth rate of 19.6% between 2021 and 2023.
From an HR perspective, this expansion presents a significant recruitment opportunity. The increased production capacity will require more personnel in manufacturing, logistics, and support functions such as marketing, R&D, and HR. Companies competing in the global market must also begin preparing talent with an international mindset and strong digital capabilities.
Read more: Executive CV Writing Tips: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
4. Japan & Freeport Open Doors to Indonesian Workers
Abroad, Japan has once again opened opportunities for Indonesian workers through its Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. This time, the position on offer is quite unique—logistics truck drivers. However, candidates must pass the required transportation skills exam and have at least N3-level Japanese language proficiency. More information is available on the YOLO Japan website:
https://www.yolo-japan.com/en/recruit/feature/driver_fulltime
Domestically, PT Freeport Indonesia is also opening various job vacancies for its smelter facilities in Gresik, East Java. Available positions span engineering, operations, and administration, each with its own specific requirements. Further information can be found on Freeport Indonesia’s official career page:
www.careers-page.com/freeportindonesia
HRnetRimbun Insight: Adaptive, Resilient, and Ready to Collaborate
From these developments, one key takeaway emerges: the employment landscape is constantly evolving, and only adaptive, human-centered companies will survive and thrive. Flexibility in workforce planning, attention to employee well-being, and strong employer branding strategies will be critical factors.
As a strategic partner in talent acquisition and management, HRnetRimbun is ready to help you navigate these challenges. We believe that every change is a chance to grow—if managed properly.
Contact us to learn more about recruitment solutions, employer branding, or HR development strategies tailored to your business needs. Together with HRnetRimbun, let’s prepare your organization for a better future of work.
