Indonesia launches Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2030 to turn economic transformation into decent work for all

JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) – The Government of Indonesia, employers’ and workers’ organizations, together with the International Labour Organization (ILO), today (28/10) launched the Indonesia Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2030. The programme provides a shared framework to ensure that Indonesia’s economic transformation translates into decent work and more broadly shared prosperity.

Government, employers’, workers’ and ILO representatives pose together with participants at the launch of Indonesia’s DWCP 2026–2030 in Jakarta. — Representatives of the Government of Indonesia, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the ILO and other stakeholders mark the launch of Indonesia’s DWCP 2026–2030 in Jakarta on 28 October 2026. The five-year programme strengthens tripartite action to respond to changes in the world of work, including digitalization and artificial intelligence, the climate and energy transition, and emerging forms of work.

The launch was attended by Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli, senior officials from the Ministry of Manpower, APINDO Chairwoman Shinta W. Kamdani, leaders of workers’ confederations and senior representatives from relevant ministries. Their participation reflects the strong tripartite ownership underpinning the new programme.

The signing of the DWCP 2026–2030, which coincided with the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, also underscored the spirit of unity and collaboration in building a more productive, inclusive and equitable future of work for Indonesia.

Building on the achievements and lessons learned from the 2020–2025 programme, the new DWCP responds to rapid changes in the world of work, including advances in artificial intelligence and digitalization, the climate and energy transition, demographic shifts, developments in global supply chains and the emergence of new forms of work.

Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli speaks at a podium in front of Indonesian flags during the launch of the DWCP 2026–2030. — Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli delivers remarks at the launch of Indonesia’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026–2030 in Jakarta on 28 October 2026.

“Indonesia’s employment agenda is not only about creating more jobs, but also about improving the quality of those jobs. This requires an integrated approach to skills development, productivity, employment opportunities and worker protection. Through the Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2030, the government, employers and workers are committed to translating this agenda into tangible and measurable results,” said Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli.

“Indonesia is entering an important period of transformation. Digitalization, artificial intelligence and the transition towards a greener economy can create significant opportunities to boost productivity, develop businesses and create jobs. But the true measure of success will be the extent to which these opportunities translate into better and more inclusive jobs,” said Simrin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

“The Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2030 is our shared commitment to making this happen. By bringing together government, employers and workers, we can strengthen the institutions that help workers and businesses navigate change, expand opportunities for those who remain outside the reach of the labour market, and ensure that Indonesia’s transformation leaves no one behind.”

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli and ILO Country Director Simrin Singh sign the DWCP 2026–2030 Joint Declaration as representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations look on. — Minister of Manpower Prof. Yassierli and ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Simrin Singh, sign the Joint Declaration on Indonesia’s DWCP 2026–2030 in Jakarta on 28 October 2026, witnessed by representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations. Coinciding with Youth Pledge Day, the signing underscores the spirit of collaboration in building a more productive, inclusive, and equitable future of work for Indonesia.

Three priorities for decent work

Developed through extensive tripartite consultations during the first half of 2026, the DWCP sets out three mutually reinforcing strategic priorities:

Transformative and institutionalized social dialogue, by strengthening tripartite institutions, evidence based wage setting and collective bargaining, and harnessing social dialogue to address developments in artificial intelligence and digitalization, the climate and energy transition, restructuring and responsible business practices.
Productive and inclusive employment and entrepreneurship, by promoting sector based approaches to employment and skills, expanding access to decent work for vulnerable groups, supporting sustainable entrepreneurship and strengthening the capacity of micro, small and medium sized enterprises, as well as improving labour market governance and data systems.
Universal and adaptive social protection to reduce vulnerability, by strengthening protection for migrant workers, informal workers, platform workers and domestic workers; improving labour inspection and occupational safety and health; promoting the elimination of child labour; and expanding social protection.

From more jobs to better jobs

Indonesia has made significant economic and employment progress, but important challenges remain. The open unemployment rate stood at 4.74 per cent in August 2025, while youth unemployment reached 16.8 per cent and 20.31 per cent of young people were not in employment, education or training.

Gender gaps also remain a challenge. The female labour force participation rate stood at 56.63 per cent, compared with 84.40 per cent for men, while women’s average wages were only 76 per cent of men’s average wages.

High levels of informality present another challenge. Around 57.8 per cent of workers, or approximately 85.35 million people, work in the informal economy, where workers generally have more limited access to labour and social protection.

The new DWCP therefore recognizes that Indonesia’s employment challenge is not only to create more jobs, but also to ensure that those jobs are productive, formal, inclusive, safe and adequately protected.

Supporting Indonesia’s development agenda

The DWCP is aligned with Indonesia’s National Long Term Development Plan 2025–2045, National Medium Term Development Plan 2025–2029 and the Sustainable Development Goals. It also supports national efforts to reduce inequality, strengthen human capital and create productive and sustainable employment.

The programme also supports Indonesia’s Care Economy Roadmap 2025–2045. Estimates cited in the DWCP indicate that investment in universal childcare and long-term care services could create nearly 10.4 million jobs by 2035.

Building on lessons from the previous programme, the DWCP places greater emphasis on national ownership, stronger tripartite institutions and sustainability. Developed through extensive consultations among the Government, employers’ and workers’ organizations and the ILO, it provides a shared framework for advancing decent work in Indonesia over the next five years.

For further information, please contact:

Lusiani Julia
ILO Programme Officer
Email: [email protected]

Gita Lingga
ILO Communications Officer
Email: [email protected]

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