66.28 Percent of Workers in PPU, East Kalimantan, Lack Social Security Coverage

The Social Security Administering Body for Employment (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) Balikpapan Branch in East Kalimantan has revealed that approximately 66.28 percent, or 97,136 workers, out of a total potential workforce of 146,545 in Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Regency, are not yet covered by the employment social security programme. The remaining 49,408 workers in the regency are already registered as BPJS Ketenagakerjaan participants, reflecting the progress of Universal Coverage Jamsostek in PPU for 2026. This disclosure was made during the 2026 Village-Level Compliance Optimisation Team Coordination Meeting on Wednesday at the PPU District Prosecutor’s Office meeting room. The meeting was attended by the Head of the PPU District Prosecutor’s Office, Harwanto; PPU Regional Secretary, Tohar; representatives from BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Balikpapan Branch; and several regional officials. BPJS Ketenagakerjaan stated that increasing programme membership coverage requires strengthened supervision and compliance, better planning and budgeting, regulatory reinforcement, optimisation of licensing and administrative services, strengthening of the village ecosystem, protection for construction and procurement workers, and intensified public outreach. Responding to the situation, Regional Secretary Tohar stressed that the programme is a crucial social protection instrument supporting public welfare. He noted it targets various worker segments, from government officials and company employees to vulnerable worker groups of local government concern. ‘The employment social security programme is not merely an administrative obligation, but a form of protection for workers and their families when facing social or economic risks,’ he asserted. He added that raising public awareness must be a collective focus to expand BPJS Ketenagakerjaan participation, and that understanding of the programme’s benefits still needs strengthening. Outreach must be extended to reach communities at village level and unprotected groups, including informal workers and those under outsourcing schemes. ‘Through this coordination meeting, we hope the PPU Regency Government, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, the District Prosecutor’s Office, and all relevant regional agencies can commit to strengthening synergy to improve compliance and expand employment social security protection for working communities in PPU,’ he added. PPU District Prosecutor Harwanto emphasised the programme’s importance as part of efforts to improve welfare, particularly for workers. Evaluation and team performance strengthening are crucial and must be carried out, not merely oriented towards activity implementation, but also delivering tangible benefits. ‘This employment social security programme must provide real benefits for the welfare of the community and workers, especially in PPU,’ he concluded.