RRi.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is placing collaboration at the heart of its labor agenda, aiming to build fairer and more resilient industrial relations.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that dialogue and trust between workers, employers, and the state are essential to shaping policies that truly reflect conditions on the ground.

Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, August 3, 2026, Minister Yassierli said labor policies are designed with input from unions, businesses, and stakeholders to strengthen welfare, protection, and workforce competence.

“Good industrial relations can only be achieved when government, employers, and workers continue to build dialogue and mutual trust in addressing every labor challenge,” he noted, as quoted by Antara.

One key initiative is the refinement of the Job Loss Insurance (JKP) program, which provides income support and training opportunities for workers affected by layoffs.

The government has also expanded protections through measures such as the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT), holiday bonuses for app‑based drivers, reduced social security contributions for informal workers, and the ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 to safeguard Indonesian fishing vessel crews.

Beyond protection, Minister Yassierli highlighted efforts to boost human capital through vocational training and the National Apprenticeship Program, aligning worker skills with industry needs.

“We want every Indonesian worker to have the chance to improve their competence, so they are better prepared for changes in the labor market and more competitive globally,” he said.

He urged employers and unions to deepen cooperation, stressing that joint efforts are key to creating quality jobs and improving worker welfare. “Collaboration is the cornerstone of building harmonious industrial relations,” he added.

Echoing this call, Presidential Special Advisor on Labor and Worker Welfare Said Iqbal encouraged unions to strengthen their organizations to better defend workers’ rights. “Strong worker organizations are vital pillars in advancing labor rights while maintaining healthy industrial relations,” he said. ***