Indonesia strengthens the implementation of its National Strategy on Business and Human Rights

JAKARTA, Indonesia (Joint Press Release) - Good governance in the business world is inseparable from the responsibility to respect human rights. Indonesia, therefore, has become one of the countries adopted the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). In addition, the government of Indonesia has developed a National Strategy for Business and Human Rights (Stranas BHAM) deliberated through the Presidential Regulation No. 60 of 2023.

The Indonesian government is committed to continuously support and ensure the implementation of these principles so that every worker in this country can enjoy their rights, being properly protected and work in humane, decent conditions.

Afriansyah Noor, Deputy Minister of Manpower

To mainstream business and human rights in Indonesia, the Ministry of Manpower, the Directorate General of Human Rights of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization (ILO), supported by the Japanese government, conducted a National Seminar on Strengthening the National Strategy for Business and Human Rights related to Decent Work Implementation at Le Meridien Hotel, Jakarta, on Wednesday (21/8/2024).

Deputy Minister of Manpower, Afriansyah Noor officially opened the event. In his keynote speech, Afriansyah stated that the implementation of Responsible Business Practices is key to maintaining a balance between economic growth and social welfare.

“The Indonesian government is committed to continuously support and ensure the implementation of these principles so that every worker in this country can enjoy their rights, being properly protected and work in humane, decent conditions,” Afriansyah said.

The Deputy Minister said that the Stranas BHAM should act as the basis for business practices that promote the principles of human rights and international labour standards. “Through close collaboration between ministries, employers‘ and workers’ organizations, we could strengthen the implementation of policies that support inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he explained.

We believe that with a strong joint commitment, Stranas BHAM can be an effective instrument in realising businesses that respect human rights and the implementation of decent work in Indonesia.

Dhahana Putra, Director General of Human Rights

Meanwhile, Director General of Human Rights, Dhahana Putra underscored the importance of human rights implementation in the world of business, especially related to the implementation of decent work. He stated that the success of business is not only measured by its financial profits, but also by its contribution in creating a decent working environment and upholding workers' rights.

“Thus, it is important for us to mainstream human rights values in the business world so that it becomes a necessity in the competitive market. This can be done through raising the awareness raising, improving laws and regulations, strengthening supervision and law enforcement as well as empowering the employers,” he explained.

“We believe that with a strong joint commitment, Stranas BHAM can be an effective instrument in realising businesses that respect human rights and the implementation of decent work in Indonesia,” Dhahana added.

By ensuring respect to human rights and decent work, including workers’ skills development, companies can drive large-scale positive changes in their operations and their supply chains. Let us make this momentum as part of our efforts to build a better business climate.

Diego Rei, ILO’s Labour Market and Employment for Indonesia and Timor-Leste

On the same occasion, ILO’s Labour Market and Employment for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Diego Rei affirmed that Stranas BHAM could contribute to not only improve the understanding and capacity of Indonesian private sector on responsible business practices and decent work throughout their supply chains, but would also contribute to standard compliance and competitiveness that led to the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal No. 8 on Sustainable Economic Growth and Decent Work for All.

“By ensuring respect to human rights and decent work, including workers’ skills development, companies can drive large-scale positive changes in their operations and their supply chains. Let us make this momentum as part of our efforts to build a better business climate,” he concluded.

For information, this national seminar was organised as a means for the government, employers and workers to provide inputs to improve the implementation of Stranas BHAM. The seminar is supported by two 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.

Various relevant stakeholders attended the seminar including the Director General of Industrial Relations and Labour Social Security and representatives from the business community including the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO).

For more information, please contact:
Tauvik Muhamad
Project Coordinator of ILO’s Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains Asia (RISSC)
[email protected]

Dede Sudono
National Project Officer for ILO's Skills Development and Responsible Business Conduct in Indonesia
[email protected]

Gita F. Lingga
Senior Communications and Information Management Assistant
[email protected]