Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of International Labour Organization (ILO) Global Forum for a Human-centred Recovery from the COVID-19, from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, February 22, 2022

Excellencies Heads of the ILO (International Labour Organization) Member States, Director General of ILO,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I appreciate the hosting of this forum as an effort to seek solution for employment issue during the pandemic. 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.

For that reason, I fully support that recovery of work field must be oriented on human. It takes affirmation to undertake Global Call to Action for Human-centred Recovery.

First, we need to create a safe work environment for workers. Vaccination drive for workers and their families, both in formal and informal sectors, must be speeded up. In Indonesia, we provide free vaccines to the population, including workers.

Second, we must provide better social security for workers affected by the pandemic. Around 4.14 million people or 53.1 percent of world’s population are not covered by social security program. Social protection requires strong political commitment and financial support. 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.

Third, we must cooperate in creating new jobs. Siding with community and utilizing innovation are needed to create more jobs. We need to keep improving people-oriented investment climate, particularly in green sustainable economic sector.

Fourth, we need to increase workers’ competitiveness to face global future challenges. Reskilling and upskilling programs must continue to be made, both by the Government and private sector. 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.

Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let us work together to establish a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable work field.

Recover Together, Recover Stronger.
I thank you.

(RAS/LW)