Manpower Ministry affirms synergy with ILO to face changing world of work

The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) has affirmed its commitment to continuing synergy with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in responding to changes in the world of work while strengthening worker protection.

“Going forward, Indonesia welcomes the expansion of cooperation coverage through knowledge exchange and intensive policy dialogue to address various challenges and opportunities in the era of the future of work,” said Indah Anggoro Putri, Director General of Industrial Relations Development and Labour Social Security (PHI and Jamsos) at the Ministry of Manpower, in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

She said the world of work is changing rapidly along with the development of digital technology, demographic changes, and global economic dynamics.

These conditions have a direct impact on the labour market landscape and require adaptive labour policies, as well as collaboration between institutions and between countries.

Indah revealed that Indonesia’s relationship with the ILO has so far been realised through various human resource capacity-building programmes, including for public service officers in the labour sector.

Throughout 2022–2026, these programmes include, among others, training on Public Employment Services (PES) and Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB), as well as support for strategic labour agendas at the ASEAN regional level.

One of the priorities highlighted by Indonesia is optimising the implementation of ILO Convention No. 188 concerning Work in Fishing, which Indonesia has ratified.

According to Indah, strengthening protection in the fisheries sector needs to cover governance, occupational safety and health (K3) standards, labour inspection, fulfilment of basic rights, and social security for fishing vessel crew.

At the regional level, Indonesia also emphasised the importance of flexible and responsive ASEAN-ILO cooperation tailored to the needs of member countries.

The programmes designed are expected to be results-oriented and able to address the diverse labour needs of each country.

“Indonesia hopes to continue maintaining close relations with the ILO and all ASEAN member countries in building a labour market that is competitive, resilient, agile, inclusive, and ready to anticipate various future opportunities and challenges,” said Indah.