By: Detta Marianti)*
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to fighting for the welfare of workers through various concrete steps that focus on preventing labor exploitation and increasing the protection of workers’ rights. These efforts are real evidence that the state is present to ensure that all workers receive their rights fairly, both in terms of wages, working hours, and work safety protection. Through various regulations and strict supervision, the government is trying to create a healthy and equitable employment ecosystem.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized concrete steps in fighting for the welfare of workers throughout the country through various strategic government policies, which focus on improving welfare and efforts to provide better protection for these workers. One of the main policies that is the basis for preventing worker exploitation is the implementation of strict labor standards, including the determination of minimum wages, protection of working hours, and the provision of rights to social and health security.
Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer ensured that companies are required to comply with the Manpower Law and international standards that prioritize workers’ welfare. Routine supervision of the implementation of these provisions in the field is also strengthened, in order to suppress exploitative practices that often occur in vulnerable sectors.
In addition to strengthening regulations, the government also prioritizes fair and fast labor dispute resolution mechanisms. With institutions such as industrial relations mediators and industrial relations courts, workers now have a clearer path to fight for their rights if there is a dispute with the company. This step is an important bridge so that workers are no longer in a weak position in the face of injustice.
Not only that, the government is also actively encouraging capacity and skills improvement programs for workers through various vocational training and professional certification. This program aims to provide workers with better skills, so that their competitiveness in the world of work increases. With this skill improvement, it is hoped that workers will not only avoid exploitation, but will also be able to access more decent and higher-paying jobs, so that their standard of living will also increase.
In the context of protecting migrant workers, the government has also tightened the mechanism for the placement and supervision of Indonesian workers abroad. Through the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI), supervision measures are implemented more strictly, starting from the selection of placement agents to the assistance of workers in the destination country. This is important to ensure that Indonesian migrant workers are protected from the risk of human trafficking, exploitation, and violence in the workplace.
The government continues to raise awareness of the importance of building a work culture that respects human rights. Various social campaigns have been held to raise public awareness, both among employers and workers, about the importance of creating a safe, healthy, and discrimination-free work environment. The government hopes that through this approach, a culture of respecting the dignity of workers can grow naturally in the Indonesian business world.
President Director of PT Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (SIER), Didik Prasetiyono said that international cooperation also continues to be expanded in order to strengthen the labor protection system. The government needs to continue to establish partnerships with various international organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO) to adopt the best standards in labor practices. This not only strengthens Indonesia’s position in the eyes of the world as a country that respects workers’ rights, but also opens up greater opportunities for Indonesian workers to compete in the global market with strong rights protection.
The government’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare and prevent labor exploitation deserve high appreciation. Amidst the challenges of globalization and ever-changing economic dynamics, the government’s concrete steps to strengthen regulations, increase protection, and encourage worker empowerment show a clear bias towards labor groups. This commitment not only strengthens the foundation of social justice in Indonesia, but also serves as a moral impetus for the business world to increasingly respect and protect workers’ rights as strategic partners in national development.
The government has demonstrated a serious commitment to fighting for workers’ rights and welfare through various real efforts such as strengthening regulations, strict supervision, resolving labor disputes, and improving workers’ skills. By encouraging high labor standards, expanding protection for migrant workers, and building a work culture that respects human rights, the government is trying to ensure that workers can work in fair, safe, and dignified conditions.
Through a combination of strong regulations, strict supervision, skills education, and expanding international cooperation, the government continues to strive for comprehensive worker welfare. All of these steps ultimately aim to create humane, fair, and dignified working conditions, so that workers can work with a sense of security and pride. With the support of all elements of society, these efforts are expected to accelerate the realization of social justice and equitable welfare for all workers in Indonesia.
)* The author is a student who lives in Bogor
