RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Manpower is partnering with the business sector to expand social security coverage for independent workers in Indonesia. This strategic initiative began with the provision of Employment Social Security Administration Agency or BPJS Ketenagakerjaan contribution assistance to 100 new independent workers (TKM) in Bekasi Regency, West Java.

The contribution assistance was symbolically handed over to five representative beneficiaries during an event held in Jakarta on Monday, July 27, 2026. All contributions are funded through PT Toyota Tsusho Lippo Residences’ Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL/CSR) program, which covers the Work Accident Insurance (JKK) and Death Insurance (JKM) programs.

Director General of Labor Placement and Employment Opportunity Expansion (Binapenta and PKK) at the Ministry of Manpower, Sugeng Heri Suseno, stated that this collaboration is an important step toward reaching workers in the informal sector. According to him, this group of workers has long faced limitations in accessing labor protection.

This BPJS Ketenagakerjaan premium subsidy complements the 2026 Independent Worker Starter Program organized by the Ministry of Manpower. He emphasized the importance of social protection for the sustainability of independent businesses that people are currently starting.

“We recognize that building a productive self-employment business requires more than just capital assistance. Entrepreneurs also need protection against workplace risks so that the businesses they’re starting can continue to grow,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that expanding BPJS Ketenagakerjaan coverage is part of the government’s strategy. This protection system is expected to support the gradual transition of informal-sector workers into the formal sector.

Sugeng said, “By enrolling TKM entrepreneurs in the Work Accident Insurance (JKK) and Death Insurance (JKM) programs, they receive not only protection against workplace risks but are also officially registered in the national employment social security system.”