Indonesia, ILO launch decent work program for 2026-2030

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Manpower and the International Labour Organization (ILO) signed a Joint Declaration on Indonesia's Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2030.

The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) and labor unions also joined the signing ceremony, held in Jakarta on Wednesday (Oct. 28), marking the launch of the program's fourth phase.

According to a statement received here on Thursday, Minister of Manpower Yassierli said the DWCP reflected a national commitment and is not a program implemented solely by the ILO.

He noted that Indonesia faced significant challenges in managing its workforce of 155 million people, with around 60 percent still employed in the informal sector.

"The national manpower policy direction must not be oriented toward the number of employment opportunities. What we need are productive, formal, and protected jobs that provide decent incomes," Yassierli said.

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The minister observed that Indonesia faces a range of challenges, including digitalization, the adoption and development of artificial intelligence (AI), the green transition, demographic shifts, and evolving global economic dynamics.

He added that these developments coincide with persistent issues related to the high prevalence of informal employment, mismatches between workers' skills and labor market demands, unequal access to employment opportunities, and gaps in social protection coverage.

The DWCP 2026–2030 sought to address these problems through three key priorities, Yassierli said: promoting transformative and institutionalized social dialogue, expanding productive and inclusive employment and business opportunities, and advancing universal and adaptive social protection.

He added the signing of the declaration marked the first step toward implementing initiatives over the next five years.

Yassierli also reaffirmed the Ministry of Manpower's commitment to working with other ministries, the ILO, regional governments, APINDO, and labor unions to deliver tangible results.

ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste Simrin Singh said digitalization, AI expansion, and the green transition had created broader opportunities to boost productivity and generate jobs.

She emphasized the importance of countries capitalizing on these opportunities by promoting inclusive employment.

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Translator: A.N. Zhafira, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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