Fakfak Regency Protects Twelve Thousand Vulnerable Informal Workers

RRI.CO.ID, Fakfak - The Fakfak Regency Administration in West Papua continues to expand social security coverage for informal sector workers. Through the 2025 Revised Regional Budget (APBD-P), a total of 12,000 vulnerable non-wage earners have been officially enrolled in the Social Security Agency (BPJS Employment) program.

The local administration allocated a total premium contribution of IDR 2,217,600,000 (USD 132,117.96) for the initiative. These funds are designated to subsidize workers who have remained outside the formal protection system despite facing significant occupational risks.

During the distribution of membership cards in December 2025, 2,000 individuals were recorded as having active social security coverage. Participants are granted six months of protection benefits, effective through May 2026.

The program beneficiaries comprise various informal groups, including public transport drivers, airport shuttle operators, drivers on the Bomberay and Kokas routes, motorcycle taxi (ojek) riders, and local vendors. These groups are identified as vulnerable workers in urgent need of social safeguards against workplace accidents.

The Head of BPJS Employment Fakfak, Ingrid Loury Latukonsina, remarked that the premium assistance aims to provide a sense of security for informal workers against unforeseen risks.

"We implemented this program to ensure that vulnerable workers in Fakfak receive the social security they require. By becoming BPJS Employment members, they are protected against workplace accidents and other risks in accordance with applicable regulations," remarked Ingrid on Monday, February 2, 2026.

She added that employment social protection represents the presence of the state, through the local administration, in guaranteeing the safety of informal workers.

"We are continuously coordinating with the Fakfak Regency Administration to ensure participant data is valid and that the premium assistance is accurately targeted, ensuring the benefits are truly felt by the registered workers," she added.

This program serves as a testament to the Fakfak Local Administration’s commitment to the welfare of informal workers. This concrete step also aims to broaden the scope of employment social protection membership across the region. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)