Indonesia Strengthens Commitment to Human Rights in Business with National Strategy and Seminar on Decent Work

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Afriansyah reiterated the government's dedication to implementing the principles of human rights within business practices.

Indonesia is taking significant strides towards integrating human rights into business practices with the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the development of a National Strategy for Business and Human Rights (Stranas BHAM). This initiative, established through Presidential Regulation No. 60 of 2023, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every worker in the country enjoys their rights, is adequately protected, and works in humane, decent conditions.

Deputy Minister of Manpower, Afriansyah Noor, emphasized the importance of responsible business practices in balancing economic growth and social welfare during a National Seminar on Strengthening the National Strategy for Business and Human Rights. The event, held at Le Meridien Hotel in Jakarta on August 21, 2024, was organized by the Ministry of Manpower, the Directorate General of Human Rights of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Japanese government.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Afriansyah reiterated the government's dedication to implementing the principles of human rights within business practices. He stressed that the Stranas BHAM should serve as the foundation for promoting human rights and international labor standards in business operations. “Through close collaboration between ministries, employers' and workers’ organizations, we can enhance the implementation of policies that support inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he stated.

Dhahana Putra, Director General of Human Rights, highlighted the critical role of human rights in the business world, particularly concerning the implementation of decent work. He noted that a company’s success should not only be measured by its financial performance but also by its contribution to creating a decent working environment and upholding workers' rights. “Mainstreaming human rights values in business is essential for competitiveness in the market,” he explained, advocating for awareness-raising, improved laws, stronger supervision, and law enforcement.

Diego Rei, ILO’s Labour Market and Employment representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, also voiced his support for Stranas BHAM. He asserted that the strategy could significantly enhance the understanding and capacity of the Indonesian private sector in responsible business practices and decent work, ultimately contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal No. 8 on Sustainable Economic Growth and Decent Work for All. “Respect for human rights and decent work, including skills development, can drive large-scale positive changes in company operations and supply chains, creating a better business climate,” Rei concluded.

The national seminar provided a platform for the government, employers, and workers to discuss ways to improve the implementation of Stranas BHAM. The event was supported by two of the ILO’s responsible and decent work projects: The Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Asian Supply Chain (RISSC) Project and the Responsible Business Behaviour and Skills Development Project in Indonesia. Key stakeholders, including the Director General of Industrial Relations and Labour Social Security, representatives from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO), were in attendance.