RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Manpower Minister Yassierli stressed that strengthening relations between workers and companies is vital for Indonesia’s competitiveness amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

He said that industrial relations, which have traditionally focused on stability and conflict resolution, must evolve into collaborative partnerships that enhance productivity while safeguarding worker welfare.

“Future industrial relations must be harmonious and transformative, fostering collaboration between workers and companies to boost productivity and welfare,” Minister Yassierli said in Jakarta on Saturday, April 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The minister noted that this transformation is urgent as digitalization reshapes employment structures, even in stable sectors such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized that innovation must go hand in hand with worker protection.

He underscored the principle of “leaving no one behind,” meaning that technological progress must be balanced with training, protection, and inclusive policies to ensure workers are not excluded.

Minister Yassierli explained that strong industrial relations develop gradually, beginning with compliance, advancing through communication, and culminating in collaboration.

At this stage, workers are recognized as strategic assets rather than mere production factors. He encouraged companies to establish labor unions and collective bargaining agreements (PKB) that provide genuine solutions.

He also emphasized that worker welfare and productivity are inseparable. Healthy industrial relations, he said, must be built on trust, communication, and a commitment to joint solutions rather than competing interests.

This approach is expected to transform industrial relations into a foundation for preparing Indonesia’s workforce for technological disruption while supporting the vision of an advanced Indonesia.

“Transformative industrial relations are one of the keys to making the Indonesian workforce more prepared to face changes toward an advanced and golden Indonesia,” Minister Yassierli said. ***