Minister: K3 Centre Transformation to Spearhead Workplace Accident Prevention

Minister of Manpower Yassierli stated that the transformation of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) Centres across Indonesia is intended to make them the front line in preventing workplace accidents. The minister explained that the transformation is directed at changing the orientation of K3 Centres, which have so far focused more on laboratory services, administration, and certification, to become more proactive in strengthening K3 culture through education, mentoring, and direct intervention with companies. “This step is aimed at preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases as early as possible, so that the risks can be minimised,” said Minister Yassierli. The minister noted that K3 Centres, previously known as Hiperkes, have largely concentrated on administrative matters, certification, and laboratory testing that generates Non-Tax State Revenue. Going forward, he continued, K3 Centres must have a stronger presence in the field by assisting industries in preventing workplace accidents. He further explained that K3 Centres have two main instruments that can be optimised to help companies reduce the risk of workplace accidents, namely Norma 100 and the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3). Norma 100 can be used by companies to independently measure their level of compliance, while SMK3 helps companies identify and map potential hazards in the workplace so that preventive measures can be taken early. According to the minister, both instruments must be optimised so that the implementation of K3 does not stop at administrative fulfilment or certificate acquisition, but truly becomes part of workplace safety practices. “The goal is not merely to pursue certificates, but to ensure that companies truly understand how to maintain the safety of their workers,” Yassierli stated. This mapping forms the basis for prioritising guidance and mentoring in regions and business sectors with high risk levels. To strengthen field interventions, the minister also provided an option for K3 Examiners to switch roles to become K3 Supervisors, thereby increasing the number of personnel who can conduct direct interventions. He expressed hope that the transformation of K3 Centres will make them strategic partners for the business world in building a culture of occupational safety and health, while sustainably reducing the number of workplace accidents. “So once again, I want to ensure that every personnel member at the K3 Centre realises their noble responsibility to protect the right to life of workers and to reduce the accident rate as much as possible,” said Minister Yassierli.