Indonesian workers remain vulnerable to violence and harassment in the workplace. A survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that more than 70 percent of workers in Indonesia have experienced or become victims of some form of violence or harassment at work. This underscores the urgent need for companies to foster safe, respectful and productive environments by establishing and enforcing workplace policies that guarantee freedom from such practices.
Against this backdrop, the ILO, in collaboration with the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women's Empowerment (IBCWE), convened the Leaders' Gathering under the theme "Building a Workplace Free from Violence and Harassment" in Jakarta today (11/12). Held in conjunction with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the event brought together more than 20 leading companies from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, garment and footwear and palm oil.
Apindo calls on company leaders to actively participate and take concrete steps. Embedding the prevention and handling of violence and harassment into corporate governance and daily operations is a powerful driver of change.
Myra Hanartani, Head of the Regulatory Committee of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo)
A key highlight of the event was the signing of the Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) Pledge by participating businesses, symbolizing the collective commitment of business leaders to intensify efforts to prevent workplace violence and harassment. Through this pledge, they formally affirmed their dedication to building safe and dignified workplaces free from all forms of violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.
The pledge further reflects business support for strengthened prevention and response measures, the promotion of equitable and inclusive work cultures, the establishment of safe and fear-free reporting mechanisms and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation in line with company contexts and applicable regulations. Importantly, this pledge aligns with ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment, adopted in 2019, which is the first international treaty to recognize the universal right to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
Myra Hanartani, Head of the Regulatory Committee of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), underscored the business community's commitment to building workplaces free from violence and harassment. With support from the ILO, Apindo published the Guidelines for the Prevention and Handling of Violence and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in 2022 to provide companies with practical tools for action.
The signing of the pledge today reflects the leadership and determination of Indonesian companies to put these principles into practice.
Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste
"Apindo calls on company leaders to actively participate and take concrete steps. Embedding the prevention and handling of violence and harassment into corporate governance and daily operations is a powerful driver of change," said Myra. "This collective commitment from the business community accelerates progress toward safer and more equitable workplaces across Indonesia."
Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, expressed her appreciation to the business leaders who joined the effort to create workplaces free from violence and harassment. She noted that the ILO's support is delivered through its Realizing Trade Gains Free from Gender Discrimination and Child Labour (RealGains) project, funded by the Government of Canada, which focuses on the elimination of gender-based discrimination and child labour in three key Indonesian export sectors: footwear, palm oil and lithium battery production.
"The ILO stands ready to continue supporting Indonesian businesses in advancing the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, with a particular focus on eliminating gender-based violence and harassment. The signing of the pledge today reflects the leadership and determination of Indonesian companies to put these principles into practice," Simrin stated. "This commitment goes beyond compliance with international labour standards; it is about fostering workplaces that are inclusive, equitable and sustainable."
To exchange good practices in building workplaces free from violence and harassment, an interactive discussion, moderated by Wita Krisanti, Executive Director of IBCWE, featured Lusiani Julia, ILO's Programme Officer for Gender Equality, Sumarjono Saragih, Head of Human Capital Development at the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) and Intan Permata Hati, Head of Compliance and Environmental Sustainability at Adis Dimension Footwear. They shared industry-level efforts to integrate zero-tolerance policies, emphasized the importance of aligning company policies with international labour standards to ensure sustainable change and underscored how diverse sectors are taking proactive steps to eliminate GBV at work.
About the ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized United Nations agency founded in 1919 to promote social justice, decent work and internationally recognized human and labour rights by setting standards, developing policies and providing education and research for its 187 member states. It uniquely brings together governments, employers and workers (tripartism) to create policies for better working conditions, equality and social protection worldwide.
About IBCWE
The Indonesia Business Coalition for Women's Empowerment (IBCWE) is a coalition of companies committed to promoting women's economic empowerment and gender equality. Our mission is to support businesses in optimizing their role in advancing women's economic participation and gender equality. IBCWE was established with support from the Government of Australia through the Investing in Women programme.
The Pledge signing is being live-streamed on ILO TV Indonesia.
