Nine major trade union confederations, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), have announced a landmark joint commitment to reform Indonesia's National Social Security System (SJSN). The declaration, made in Jakarta on 26 February, marks the first time major confederations have united to demand universal and sustainable protection for all workers.
The commitment was signed by leaders of: All-Indonesia Trade Union Confederation (KSPSI-ATUC); KSPSI-Reconciliation (KSPSI-Rekonsiliasi); KSPSI Reform (KSPSI-Pembaruan); All-Indonesia Labour Union Confederation (KSBSI); Confederation of Indonesian Prosperous Labour Unions (K-SBSI); Indonesian Muslim Labour Union Confederation (KSARBUMUSI); National Workers Union Confederation (KSPN); Nusantara Trade Union Confederation; and Indonesian Labour Union Alliance Confederation (KASBI).
This commitment marks an important momentum to expand coverage to all workers, including those in the informal economy and other vulnerable groups.
Nunung Nuryartono, Chairperson of the National Social Security Council
Union leaders stressed that millions of workers, particularly those in informal, migrant and vulnerable sectors, remain excluded from adequate protection. Coverage remains alarmingly low: only 31 per cent of workers are active participants, with non-wage workers at just 6.8 per cent, far below the ILO minimum standard of 50 per cent.
The joint commitment outlines seven key demands:
- Universal coverage for wage and non-wage workers, including maritime, migrant, care and platform workers.
- Pension reform, introducing a mandatory basic pension for all citizens and enhancing Pension Insurance (JP) and Old Age Insurance (JHT).
- Expanded Unemployment Insurance (JKP) to cover contract workers and involuntary resignations, with stronger financing and improved training and career counselling services.
- New protections for maternity leave, sick leave and long-term care, integrated into the revised SJSN Law.
- Legislative action, pushing amendments to the SJSN and Social Security Administering Body for Employment (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) Laws into the 2026 National Legislative Program (Prolegnas).
- Ratification of ILO Convention No. 102 (1952) on minimum social security standards.
- Continued ILO support to advance legislative amendments, inclusion in Prolegnas, ratification of C102 and reforms to implement ratified conventions.
© ILO
Nunung Nuryartono, Chairperson of the National Social Security Council, welcomed the initiative taken by the trade union confederations to jointly formulate an evidence-based commitment aimed at strengthening social security policies. "This commitment marks an important momentum to expand coverage to all workers, including those in the informal economy and other vulnerable groups. Starting in 2030, the Indonesian Government will begin implementing pension insurance for all workers, including non-wage earners such as platform and transportation workers," he stated.
Representing the union confederations, Elly R. Silaban, President of KSBSI, emphasized that the commitment reflects the collective voice of the trade union confederations. "Through the discussions and consultations we conducted with the support of the ILO, we were able to reach this agreement, particularly to ensure the expansion of coverage for all workers, whether wage earners or non-wage earners," she said. "This commitment will serve as a recommendation and reference to be submitted to the Government, Parliament and other stakeholders in formulating policies that benefit all people of Indonesia without exception."
Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, welcomed the initiative, stating: "This joint commitment by Indonesia's major trade union confederations is a historic step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable social protection system. Through its social protection programme, the ILO stands ready to continue supporting Indonesia in strengthening coverage, compliance and alignment with international labour standards, ensuring that no worker is left behind."
The launch of the Declaration is being live-streamed on ILO TV Indonesia.
