Building a workplace free from violence and harassment

Indonesia has taken meaningful legislative and regulatory steps in recent years to address sexual violence and harassment in all settings—including the workplace. The enactment of Law No. 12 of 2022 on the Prevention of Sexual Violence marks a significant milestone in providing a comprehensive legal framework to prevent, respond to, and protect victims of sexual violence. Complementing this, the Minister of Manpower Decree No. 88 of 2023 provides Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in the Workplace.

This regulation clearly places responsibility on employers and workers to take preventive measures and establish mechanisms for reporting and response. The Ministry of Manpower has recognized the continued high prevalence of sexual violence as an urgent issue requiring collective commitment from both the public and private sectors.

Despite these progressive steps, the prevalence of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in Indonesian workplaces remains alarming. According to the ILO’s 2022 national survey, around 70.93% of respondents (from 1,173 workers) reported experiencing at least one form of violence or harassment at work, and over two-thirds reported more than one form. Psychological violence was most common (77.4%), followed by sexual harassment or violence (50.48%).

A 2022 feasibility study focusing on garment, footwear, textile, and leather industries — sectors employing large numbers of women — found that 1 in 20 respondents had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace within the previous year. These figures highlight that beyond policy commitments, real action and leadership commitment are urgently needed to ensure safe and inclusive workplaces.

While Indonesia has yet to ratify the ILO Convention No. 190 (Violence and Harassment Convention), which sets international standards for preventing and responding to violence and harassment at work, recent domestic laws and guidelines demonstrate growing alignment with its principles. For companies, this evolving landscape underscores both a regulatory and reputational imperative to take proactive measures.

Workplaces that fail to act against GBVH harm their employees and erode business credibility. In contrast, companies that champion zero tolerance not only protect their people but also earn trust, retain talents, and enhance competitiveness across global value chains.

The Leaders’ Gathering under the RealGains Project serves as a key momentum for corporate leadership to turn awareness into concrete commitment and collective action. It calls on leaders across industries to champion safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces — aligning with Indonesia’s legal advances and global standards of decent work for all.

The Leaders’ Gathering aims to:

1. Secure high-level commitment from company leaders to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the workplace.
2. Increase awareness and understanding of global and national frameworks on violence and harassment in the world of work, especially the principles of ILO Convention No. 190 (C190), UU TPKS, and Kepmenaker 88/2023.
3. Foster visibility, collective advocacy, and cross-sector engagement to sustain momentum on workplace safety beyond pledge commitment.

Presentations, interactive conversations, peer learning, and a symbolic commitment ceremony will all be included in the offline Leaders' Gathering. The following results are anticipated by the event's conclusion:

• A formal declaration of zero tolerance for GBVH signed by participating company leaders, at least 25 companies.
• Enhanced awareness among leaders on key provisions of ILO Convention No. 190 and relevant Indonesian regulations, reinforcing the importance of corporate leadership in preventing violence and harassment.
• A documented summary of insights, pledges, and recommendations captured in a post-event report, providing a basis for future engagement and light-touch follow-up with pledging companies.

Forty to fifty people are expected to attend in person. and they include: CEOs and senior executives from IBCWE members and affiliated businesses; representatives from APINDO, industry associations (such as GAPKI, APRISINDO, etc.) and ILO Indonesia; government officials, particularly those from the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) and the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA); worker associations and trade unions; and media representatives. 40–50 people are expected to attend in person.

Tentative resource persons:

• ILO Indonesia – Global and national perspectives on ILO Convention No. 190
• Associations representative – Private sector leadership and policy advocacy for safe workplaces (Potential: APINDO, APRISINDO, GAPKI)
• Company representatives – Good practices in implementing anti-harassment and gender-inclusive policies (Potential: APRIL, Adis Dimension)
• Women leader or worker representative – Personal story and perspective on workplace safety and empowerment