Industrial relations
Indonesian National Police establishes Employment Desk to resolve labour disputes
The ILO praises Indonesia’s National Police for their initiative to improve labour relations and legal certainty by establishing the Employment Desk.
3 February 2025
JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) - Indonesia’s National Police (Polri) officially launched its Employment Desk on 20 January. The Desk, established after a series of discussions with relevant stakeholders, including the ILO, was formed to respond to appeals from workers who sought police intervention in resolving conflicts related to industrial relations and to serve as a bridge between employers and workers affected by industrial conflicts.
“We hope that Polri can act as a mediator or an intermediary. Our goal is to resolve disputes using labour and criminal laws as the ultimate remedy," stated General (Police) Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Chief of the Indonesian National Police.
Furthermore, the Chief of Police said that the Desk would enable police officers at all levels to interact with workers and accelerate the process of resolving industrial disputes to maintain public order and security.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, highlighted this initiative as a strategic move to ensure legal certainty for both workers and companies. He expressed hope that it would enhance coordination between Polri and the Ministry of Manpower in enforcing the law, creating a conducive working environment, and boosting industry productivity and competitiveness.
“To strengthen the legal certainty of the Labour Law, a Memorandum of Understanding will be developed between the Ministry of Manpower and Polri,” he stated. “This agreement aims to promote preventive and persuasive approaches to handling labour issues and disputes, which, in turn, will contribute to long-term economic stability and growth for the country.”
Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, applauded the new initiative and expressed optimism that the Employment Desk would strengthen cooperation between Polri and the Ministry of Manpower law enforcers to safeguard workers' rights and maintain business continuity. “The ILO eagerly anticipates the contributions of the Employment Desk in fostering a harmonious work environment, benefiting workers, employers, and the government alike.”