ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – In an unprecedented move in Indonesia’s labor movement history, nine major labor confederations have jointly declared their commitment to push for a comprehensive reform of the National Social Security System (SJSN) to make it more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
The declaration, delivered in Jakarta on February 26, 2026, received support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and marks a significant milestone in the struggle to expand social protection coverage for all workers in Indonesia—without exception.
Low Coverage Leaves Millions Unprotected
Union leaders emphasized that social security participation remains critically low:
– Only 31 percent of workers are registered as active contributors.
– Informal and non-wage workers account for just 6.8 percent of participants.
– These figures fall well below the ILO’s minimum benchmark of 50 percent coverage.
As a result, millions of workers—particularly those in the informal economy, migrant workers, platform-based workers, care workers, and other vulnerable sectors—remain outside adequate social protection coverage.
A Historic Cross-Confederation Alliance
The joint commitment was signed by leaders of the following confederations:
– Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions – ATUC (KSPSI-ATUC)
– KSPSI-Reconciliation
– KSPSI-Renewal
– Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI)
– Confederation of Prosperous Indonesian Trade Unions (K-SBSI)
– Confederation of Indonesian Muslim Workers’ Unions (KSARBUMUSI)
– National Workers Union Confederation (KSPN)
– Nusantara Workers Union Confederation (KSPN)
– Confederation of Indonesian Trade Union Alliances (KASBI)
This unified stance strengthens labor’s collective bargaining power in advocating structural reform of Indonesia’s social security policies.
Seven Key Reform Demands
The joint declaration outlines seven core demands:
1. Universal Coverage
Inclusive protection for both wage earners and non-wage earners, including maritime workers, migrant workers, care workers, and digital platform workers.
2. Pension System Reform
Introduction of a mandatory basic pension for all citizens, alongside strengthened Old-Age Security (JHT) and Pension Insurance (JP) schemes.
3. Expansion of Unemployment Benefits (JKP)
Broader eligibility to include contract workers and cases of involuntary resignation, supported by stronger financing and enhanced training and career counseling services.
4. New Social Protections
Inclusion of maternity leave, sick leave, and long-term care protection in revisions to the SJSN Law.
5. Legislative Action
Incorporation of amendments to the SJSN Law and the BPJS Employment Law into the 2026 National Legislative Program (Prolegnas).
6. Ratification of ILO Convention No. 102 (1952)
Adoption of the Minimum Standards of Social Security Convention.
7. Continued ILO Support
Ongoing technical assistance to align Indonesia’s system with international labor standards.
Government Response: Universal Pension by 2030
Nunung Nuryartono, Chair of the National Social Security Council (DJSN), welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important momentum to expand coverage to informal economy workers and other vulnerable groups.
He stated that beginning in 2030, the Government of Indonesia plans to implement pension coverage for all workers, including non-wage earners such as platform and transport workers.
ILO: A Historic Step Forward
Simrin Singh, ILO Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, described the joint commitment as a historic step toward a more inclusive and sustainable social protection system.
Through its social protection programs, the ILO remains ready to support Indonesia in expanding coverage, improving compliance, and strengthening alignment with international labor standards—ensuring that no worker is left behind.
A Critical Reform Moment for Indonesia
The unity of nine major labor confederations sends a strong message: reform of Indonesia’s National Social Security System can no longer be delayed.
With proposed legislative revisions targeted for inclusion in the 2026 National Legislative Program, attention now turns to concrete action by the government and parliament.
For Indonesia’s workers, social security reform is not merely a policy adjustment—it is a matter of social justice, economic resilience, and universal protection in a rapidly evolving labor market. (AT Network)
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