By: Raditya Hanggara
The ongoing labor reform led by the government underscores the state’s commitment to clean, transparent, and accountable governance. Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized that fundamental changes are underway, making demonstrations unnecessary for workers to voice their aspirations. The government assures that the interests of workers, employers, and the public remain a top priority in all policies.
This commitment is evident in the swift response following the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) naming of the Deputy Minister of Manpower and eight officials as suspects in an extortion case linked to occupational safety and health certification (K3). Minister Yassierli immediately convened top officials to conduct a thorough evaluation, focusing on strengthening systems and digitizing licensing services to maintain optimal public service despite integrity challenges.
All officials were mandated to sign integrity pacts, extending previous measures covering nearly 1,000 K3 certification officers, reinforcing moral and legal responsibility to prevent extortion and abuse of power.
The government also supports KPK’s investigation efforts fully, signaling that the reform agenda continues without tolerance for corruption. Transparency reassures the public that the labor sector is undergoing serious improvement.
Parliament echoed this demand for thorough investigation. Commission III member Soedeson Tandra urged the KPK to comprehensively uncover the alleged extortion funds in the K3 certification process, highlighting transparency as key to preventing abuse of authority.
During a sting operation on August 20, 14 individuals—including former Deputy Minister Immanuel Ebenezer (Noel)—were detained, with evidence including cash, vehicles, and transaction records. KPK alleges extortion totaling Rp81 billion, while official certification fees are Rp275,000; workers reportedly paid up to Rp6 million under threats of delays.
In response, the Ministry is advancing systemic reforms, targeting not only leadership but coordinators at the Directorate General of Binwasnaker K3. A cross-directorate Change Management Team was formed to evaluate services and strengthen risk controls, driving accountability-based reform.
Plans for staff rotation and dismissal are underway for those implicated in corruption, maintaining ministry credibility. These align with structural reforms emphasizing service reorganization, risk management, and digital acceleration.
Such reforms benefit workers directly: digitized permits ensure legal certainty, faster services, and fewer conflicts. Accessible grievance channels reduce the need for street protests, as worker aspirations can be addressed constructively through official mechanisms.
Labor reform also boosts public trust in government. Historically, unclear communication between workers, employers, and the state has triggered protests. Now, transparent digital systems widen participation and minimize misunderstandings.
Investor confidence also improves with legal certainty and streamlined bureaucracy, enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness for foreign investment and job creation.
Consistent application of integrity pacts and risk controls strengthens industrial relations. If sustained, this approach will fulfill demands traditionally expressed via mass actions through clearer, fairer policies.
Through these efforts, the government proves that worker aspirations are respected without the need for demonstrations. The reforms represent a long-term commitment to modern, adaptive, and integrity-driven labor governance, founded on transparency, participation, and accountability.
Therefore, protests are no longer relevant amid ongoing reforms. The government has established bipartite, tripartite, and digital forums as more productive channels for aspiration delivery, avoiding the social and economic risks of mass mobilization.
While challenges remain, decisive steps signal zero tolerance for corruption. Every policy aims to improve public service while prioritizing worker welfare. With public support, these reforms promise tangible impacts for Indonesia’s workforce.
*) Labor Issues Analyst
