Deputy Labour Minister emphasises importance of industrial relations between companies and workers

Jakarta — Deputy Labour Minister (Wamenaker) Afriansyah Noor has emphasised the importance of building harmonious industrial relations between employers and workers.

He assessed that healthy cooperation and mutual respect would yield benefits that could be enjoyed together by both workers and companies.

“Workers and employers are obliged to cooperate and assist each other in improving welfare so it can be enjoyed together proportionally in accordance with contribution and work performance,” said the Deputy Labour Minister in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

The official, commonly known as Ferry, further stated that one manifestation of good industrial relations is through free mudik (homecoming) programmes organised by a number of companies in Indonesia during the Eid al-Fitr 1447H holiday period.

The Deputy Labour Minister assessed that the provision of free mudik is not merely a travel facility, but rather a demonstration of appreciation for the dedication and hard work of workers who have contributed to the company.

“The provision of free mudik for workers is a form of company appreciation towards employees. This is a shared commitment in giving recognition to workers who have contributed to the company,” said Deputy Labour Minister Ferry.

According to him, such attention is important because worker welfare does not only concern work at the workplace, but also involves feelings of safety, comfort, and peace of mind when they reunite with family during the festive season.

He added that the 2026 mudik programme for workers also demonstrates strong synergy between government and the private sector amid existing economic challenges.

The Deputy Labour Minister expressed appreciation for companies that have demonstrated social care and made worker welfare a shared concern.

“The Labour Ministry highly values the participation of companies that have synergised with the Government in addressing various issues, including this mudik programme for workers. This is a manifestation of social care towards all stakeholders, particularly workers and their families,” he said.

He also had the opportunity to see off 295 workers and their families departing on free mudik at the compound of the Vocational Building of the Labour Ministry (Kemnaker) in Jakarta on Sunday (15 March).

The programme, organised by the Jambi Association, Minang Family Association (IKM), and various companies, was presented as a concrete form of appreciation for workers, whilst helping them return to their hometowns safely, comfortably, and securely.

In the event, seven bus convoys were dispatched to transport 295 workers along with their families heading to Jambi and Padang.