Pressing for progress: Indonesia’s media drive the care economy forward

© ILO

© ILO

JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) - The ILO in collaboration with the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Jakarta jointly published a publication titled “Care Work from the Perspective of Media”, consisting of in-depth journalistic reporting from across Indonesia on various issues related to care work and economy in Indonesia. The publication was the result of series of media engagement activities to promote the priorities of the Indonesia Care Economy Roadmap 2025-2045.

The publication was launched during the inauguration of the Care Economy Working Group, jointly conducted by the ILO and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, in Jakarta on 25 June. It served as part of the campaign materials presented by the ILO Country Director to key stakeholders, including representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Association of Indonesian Early Childhood Educators and Education Personnel (Himpaudi).

The publication also formed a key component of the ILO–AJI Jakarta media fellowship programme, through which 10 journalists from across Indonesia were mentored by senior media professionals to produce and publish a series of in-depth articles on the care economy. The programme was designed to engage and support journalists and media workers in promoting and delivering high-quality reporting on care-related issues.

We hope that this publication can strengthen the media’s role in fostering a supportive social environment that advances gender equality while accelerating the implementation of the Roadmap and National Action Plan for the Care Economy in Indonesia.

Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia

Titis Anis Fauziyah, a journalist from Kompas.com in Semarang, Central Java, wrote about an initiative by the Movement of Men Who Care for Women and Children (Garpu Perak), an organization that aims to engage men in preventing violence against women and children by promoting a greater role for fathers in childcare, particularly through Friday sermons. These sermons are considered an ideal platform for raising awareness about men's involvement in domestic responsibilities, which have traditionally been viewed as the duties of wives and mothers.

As part of this initiative, Garpu Perak has partnered with several organizations, including the Indonesian Council of Mosques (DMI) of Semarang City, to compile a collection of sermon materials that serve as references for preachers in encouraging family-building practices and the protection of women and children.

From the easternmost part of the country, Papua, journalist Lidya Salmah of Tribun-Papua.com spotlighted the voices of elderly residents calling for Integrated Service Post (Posyandu) dedicated to senior citizens. The presence of such facilities would be a vital support system for the elderly and families like Maria Yawan’s. Maria, an elderly resident of Jayapura City who was interviewed, expressed her hope that the City Government of Jayapura would establish Posyandu to improve access to health services—currently hindered by scattered and fragmented facilities—and to provide a venue where the elderly can connect and support one another.

Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Petrus Fidelis Ngo, a journalist from Parboaboa.com, shared the story of care workers who face vulnerability to workplace violence and harassment as well as wage deductions spanning two months by their employment agents. The rise of illegal employment agencies has led to widespread deductions and inadequate protection for care workers. To help prevent such exploitation, certifying this profession through the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) is seen as a necessary step.

Indriani, a journalist from Antaranews.com, reported on a successful initiative providing quality, affordable, and accessible daycare services in Yogyakarta. Her article featured two examples: a public daycare serving traders at the Beringharjo Market, and the private Seri Derma daycare located in Umbulharjo. The report also emphasized the growing importance of safe and affordable childcare services, especially as women’s participation in the workforce rises and shifts in family dynamics affect childcare needs.

Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia, stated in her foreword that in today’s world—where informed engagement is essential—the media plays a crucial role in bridging knowledge and action. In the context of care work and the economy, media channels play a pivotal role in spotlighting the often-overlooked contributions of care workers, particularly women, who form the backbone of caregiving services.

“Recognizing this, the ILO values its collaboration with AJI Jakarta through joint media training and fellowship programmes. We hope that this publication can strengthen the media’s role in fostering a supportive social environment that advances gender equality while accelerating the implementation of the Roadmap and National Action Plan for the Care Economy in Indonesia,” she remarked.