By: Nur Utunissa * )
The policy of eliminating the outsourcing system in Indonesia is a monumental step in an effort to improve the fate and security of workers. For years, the outsourcing system or outsourcing has been one of the employment relationship models widely used by companies to reduce production costs and increase efficiency. However, in reality this system often raises deep problems related to the welfare, job security, and future of workers.
Under the outsourcing system, many workers are placed in uncertain work situations. They work for the service user company, but are legally under the auspices of the labor provider company. This causes unclear employment relationships, reduced access to normative rights such as holiday allowances, social security, and recognition of work periods. In many cases, outsourcing workers do not get job security because the contracts are short-term and can be extended or terminated at any time.
By issuing the policy to eliminate the outsourcing system, the government shows its commitment to reorganizing the national employment structure. Not only is it limited to eliminating the outsourcing system, this policy also aims to reform recruitment patterns and work relationships to be fairer, more transparent, and more humane.
This step is expected to have broad implications in various industrial sectors. Many companies that have so far relied on outsourcing services for their operations are now required to adjust their work systems. This means that they must change the status of outsourced workers to permanent or direct contract workers under the user company. This change will automatically increase the company’s responsibility in providing normative rights such as health insurance, employment insurance, decent wages, and protection against unilateral termination of employment.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his support for eliminating the outsourcing system, one of which is through the establishment of the National Labor Welfare Council. The President said the Labor Welfare Council will also study in depth the transition mechanism towards eliminating the system, while still considering the investment climate.
In addition, the Minister of Manpower (Menaker), Yassierli said that he would use the President’s direction as a basis for drafting ministerial regulations. Yassierli also said that Prabowo’s statement on outsourcing was proof that the government was aspirational and understood the concerns of Indonesian workers/laborers.
From the workers’ perspective, this policy is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the stability and welfare of life. With a direct working relationship between workers and companies, workers will have a stronger bargaining position in voicing their rights. They will also get clearer legal protection in the event of an industrial dispute. In addition, access to social protection programs such as BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, old age security, and pension programs will be easier and more certain.
Equally important is the strengthening of the role of trade unions in maintaining the implementation of this policy. Trade unions as representatives of workers must be active partners in ensuring that workers’ rights are not ignored and that this policy is truly implemented with a spirit of justice. Unions can also play a role in mediation if there is a conflict or violation of rights committed by the company during the transition period.
The President of the Labor Party and the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI), Said Iqbal, said that he strongly supports the policy of eliminating outsourcing initiated by the Government. Said said that if the outsourcing system is in the work, it is not a problem. However, the rights are different if the outsourcing is through an agent. According to him, there should be no outsourcing under the guise of an internship or partner system.
The policy of eliminating outsourcing also has a broad social dimension. Many workers have been living in job uncertainty, do not have a fixed income, and have difficulty getting access to credit or housing. With the status of permanent workers, they will have greater security to build a future, from having a house, children’s education, to pension funds. This change will indirectly contribute to improving the quality of life of the community and reducing poverty rates.
In the long term, this policy is also believed to have a positive impact on the investment climate. Countries that guarantee legal certainty and protection of labor rights will be more appreciated by investors who are committed to the principles of sustainability and social responsibility.
This policy can be part of a long-term strategy in building an inclusive and equitable national economy. Transformation of the employment system cannot be done instantly. It requires political courage, bureaucratic support, willingness from business actors, and active participation from workers to create a fairer order.
With the right approach and consistent implementation, the policy of eliminating outsourcing can be an important milestone in realizing the ideals of social justice in the employment sector. This is not merely a matter of technical management of the workforce, but also concerns the dignity of humans who work to support the lives of their families and the nation.
This policy is not just about eliminating outsourcing practices, but more than that, about building a future of work that values humans as the center of development. The success of this policy will be a reflection of the extent to which the country is able to protect its people and create a healthy, fair, and sustainable work ecosystem.
)* The author is a Literacy Activist at the Narasi Nusa Institute
