Minister Assures Government's Commitment to Strengthening Worker Welfare

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Manpower Minister Yassierli has affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare, protection and competence of workers.

In a statement issued in Jakarta on Monday, the Manpower Minister said various manpower policies are drawn up based on needs on the ground, involving workers, trade unions, the business community and other stakeholders.

According to him, collaboration is a key pillar in building harmonious, productive and sustainable industrial relations.

“Good industrial relations can only be realised if the government, employers and workers continue to build dialogue and mutual trust in finding solutions to every manpower challenge,” said Yassierli.

The government’s commitment to strengthening worker welfare and protection is being realised through various manpower policies, one of which is the refinement of the Job Loss Insurance (JKP) programme for workers who have been dismissed.

The programme provides income support during a period of transition as well as access to training to improve competence.

In addition, the government has expanded worker protection through the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT), the payment of Holiday Bonuses (BHR) to app-based transport drivers, social security contribution relief for informal sector workers, and the ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 to strengthen protection for Indonesian fishing vessel crews.

The Manpower Minister added that the government is also continuing to improve the quality of human resources through vocational training programmes and the National Internship Programme.

Both programmes are being prepared to strengthen the competence of the workforce so that it aligns with the needs of industry.

“We want every Indonesian worker to have the opportunity to improve their competence so they are better prepared to face changes in the world of work and have greater competitiveness,” said Yassierli.

He therefore invited employers and trade unions to continue strengthening collaboration in building harmonious industrial relations.

“Cooperation is the key to creating quality employment while improving worker welfare,” he said.

Meanwhile, Special Presidential Advisor on Manpower and Worker Welfare, Said Iqbal, called on all trade unions to continue strengthening their organisations so they are able to face the various challenges of the world of work.

“Strong worker organisations are an important pillar in the struggle for workers’ rights while maintaining healthy industrial relations,” said Said Iqbal.