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30 April, 2025In conjunction with the International workers’ memorial day (28 April), IndustriALL Indonesia council launched the first occupational safety and health (OSH) alarm centre in Jakarta.
The alarm centre will act as an exchange platform on occupational diseases for victimized manufacturing workers in Indonesia. The centre is supported by occupational doctors, labour lawyers and NGOs working on OSH issues.
IndustriALL Indonesia affiliates commit to activate their OSH departments to engage with the alarm centre, aiming to report at least three cases to the government in 2025.
Reported occupational disease cases in Indonesia remain notably low, with only 91 in 2023, compared to 8,155 in Malaysia and 1,229 in Singapore. However, union members frequently raise concerns about lower back pain, lung disease, kidney failure and cancer during OSH meetings.
In the future, the alarm centre will convene tripartite dialogue to boost better OSH practice, particularly on occupational disease. IndustriALL Indonesia Council will also meet every month to ensure smooth coordination of the alarm centre.
IndustriALL Indonesia council chairperson Iwan Kusmawan said:
“It is the duty of trade unions to intensify supervision of occupational disease and advocate for the rights of workers affected by the disease at workplaces. The alarm centre’s reporting hotline shows that Indonesia Council is very serious in the matter. Open and transparent procedures must be followed in the event of discovery of occupational disease, speedy remedy must be provided by companies and the social security agency.”
IndustriALL South East Asia regional secretary, Ramon Certeza, said:
“I congratulate Indonesia affiliates for setting up the alarm centre, which is a remarkable milestone to enhance the safety and health standard in manufacturing sectors in Indonesia. This shows the indispensable role of trade unions in improving workers’ health and well-being.”
Around 70 unionists attended the launch, joined by representatives from the ministry of manpower (Muhammad Idham), ministry of health (Dr. Inne Nutfiliana), the Indonesian social security council and the national occupational health working team in support of the initiative.
The activity is supported by Union to Union and IndustriALL Swedish affiliates.