The central government has sent a circular to regional heads across the country, calling on them to persuade local businesses against laying off their employees following the planned fuel price hikes on Monday.

Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar sent the circular, dated March 22, to governors, mayors and district heads across Indonesia, according to a press statement from the ministry.

"We're asking governors, district heads and mayors to take measures to prevent possible layoffs of workers," Muhaimin said in Jakarta on Tuesday. He added the government was aware that the planned fuel hikes would impact on industries and workers.

Muhaimin also suggested that companies do their production more efficiently, so as to reduce costs. "By making the production costs more efficient, it is expected that they can avoid laying off workers, without disrupting production process and companies' performances," the minister added.