Inul Vizta, which is famously owned by dangdut diva Inul Daratista, has long been the go-to karaoke bar chain for many Indonesians. As Indonesia enters the eighth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Inul this week announced that she has had to lay off over a thousand of her employees.
Like many businesses across the capital, Inul said her business was severely impacted financially due to the limitations set by the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) in the Greater Jakarta Area.
As the karaoke bars made very little in the way of sales since March, Inul said she had to lay off at least 1,000 Inul Vizta employees in Jakarta.
“There are more than 20 Inul Vizta outlets in Jakarta. I had to lay off everyone in Jakarta. I apologize,” Inul told reporters.
“Because it has been more than eight months, I hope you all understand. One outlet could have as many as 75 employees.”
Inul Vizta outlets outside of Jakarta appear to have fared better, due to different regulations set out by regional governments and the fact that many lifestyle and entertainment businesses in other provinces across Indonesia have reopened.
“No one is being laid off in other regions. They might have been placed on unpaid leave, but they have gone back to work,” Inul said.
Inul said she was forced to make the difficult decision after having to pay the salaries from her own pocket since the onset of the pandemic.
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