Apindo DIY Responds to Removal of Age Limits in Job Vacancies
Sunday, 01 June 2025
YOGYAKARTA – The Indonesian Minister of Manpower has officially removed age limit requirements from job vacancy listings.
The policy is outlined in the Minister of Manpower’s Circular Letter No. M/6/HK.04/V/2025 concerning the Prohibition of Discriminatory Practices in the Recruitment Process.
Responding to the new regulation, Deputy Chair of the Yogyakarta chapter of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo DIY) for Employment Affairs, Timotius Apriyanto, criticized the move as lacking careful consideration and proper foundational study.
He described the abolition of age limits in job advertisements as a populist policy.
“On the other hand, this measure encroaches on the authority of employers without prior consultation,” Timotius said on Sunday (June 1, 2025). “Perhaps because of the recent Labor Day celebrations, there was a wave of discourse. But such policies should be preceded by thorough studies and public consultations. The real challenge lies in implementation.”
Timotius argued that the policy would likely prove ineffective, as industries will continue to conduct their own selection processes for certain job classifications.
“For specific types of work, age limitations are necessary, particularly in relation to worker productivity,” he explained.
“For instance, in the manufacturing sector, if someone aged 45 applies for an entry-level operator position, it raises concerns. In many industries, age limits are linked directly to expected productivity.”
He further emphasized that the new regulation would not change internal hiring practices. “With or without this policy, we in the industrial sector will continue to screen candidates based on age where necessary, especially for roles that demand certain physical or performance capacities.”
Timotius urged ministers to exercise greater caution when issuing policies, calling for in-depth studies beforehand to avoid “yo-yo policies”—those that are enacted only to be swiftly reversed.
He said Apindo would observe how effective the new policy turns out to be in practice.
On a more positive note, Timotius welcomed several recent economic stimulus measures introduced by the government.
Of the six economic incentives announced, three in particular were welcomed by employers: wage subsidies, transportation discounts, and reductions in electricity tariffs.
“These initiatives help relieve economic pressure on workers. They serve as both incentives and a strengthening of the social safety net, aimed at mitigating the social impact of ongoing economic uncertainty,” he concluded.
Source: jogja.tribunnews.com
