President Jokowi Supports ILO’s Human-centered Recovery Measures

President Jokowi. (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat)

Indonesia delivered support to the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the efforts to recover labour market from the impacts COVID-19 has brought through human-centered recovery measures.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo during the opening of International Labour Organization (ILO) Global Forum for a Human-centered Recovery from the COVID-19, through video conference, Tuesday (02/22).

“I appreciate the hosting of this forum as an effort to seek solution for employment issue during the pandemic. I fully support a human-centered recovery,” the President said.

According to the President, the ILO has projected the number of people unemployed worldwide to reach 207 million people in 2022 or increased by 21 million people compared to that of 2019. In the meantime, health and economic recovery drives among countries and regions are very diverse depending on vaccination rate and fiscal stimulus in each country.

“Therefore, we need to take this seriously in implementing global call to action for human-centered recovery,” he said, adding four measures that can be implemented to support the recovery.

First, creating a safe work environment through providing COVID-19 vaccination for workers and their families, both in formal and informal sectors.

“In Indonesia, we provide free vaccines to the public, including workers,” he said.

Second, providing better social security for workers affected by the pandemic. The President added that around 4.14 million people or 53.1 percent of world’s population are not covered by social security program.

“In Indonesia, social security is an important part of National Economic Recovery Program (PEN) consisting of Aspiring Family Program (PKH), staple food package, cash transfer assistance, and electricity subsidy. Around Rp186.64 trillion was allocated for social security program,” he added.

Third, cooperating in creating new jobs through utilization of innovation.

“We need to keep improving people-oriented investment climate, particularly in green sustainable economic sector,” he stated.

Fourth, increasing workers’ competitiveness to face global future challenges by carrying out reskilling and upskilling programs. In addition, education on digital literacy must become a priority so that workers can survive a digital transformation.

“The Indonesian Government has launched Pre-Employment Card for jobseeker or workers affected by layoffs to gain new job competency and open opportunity to do business,” he said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi invited all to join hands to establishing a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable work field. (DND/UN) (RAS/LW)