The ILO, Ministry of Manpower and the Indonesian Medical Association for Occupational Health (IDKI) jointly developed and launched the latest guideline to address the impact of COVID-19 pandemic to Indonesia’s world of work titled: “Guideline on COVID-19 Prevention and Control at the Workplace”. The joint Guideline highlights key actions and measurements to prevent and control the pandemic in order to not only ensure sustainable businesses, but also better protect workers. the Ministry of Manpower encourages workplaces to take preventive actions and implement occupational safety and health (OSH). We need to take strategic, systematic and effective actions to prevent and control COVID-19 pandemic through the application of OSH protocols.” Haiyani Rumondang, Director General for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of the Ministry of Manpower Launched on 8 February before more than 1,000 viewers, the Guideline includes national legal frameworks on COVID-19 prevention and control, steps on business sustainability plan, COVID-19 prevention and control programme at workplace with focuses on preventive, curative and rehabilitative approaches as well as monitoring and evaluation.Haiyani Rumondang, Director General for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of the Ministry of Manpower, said in her remarks for the publication, said that “the Ministry of Manpower encourages workplaces to take preventive actions and implement occupational safety and health (OSH). We need to take strategic, systematic and effective actions to prevent and control COVID-19 pandemic through the application of OSH protocols.” “The ILO continuously support the Ministry of Manpower through tripartite actions aimed to strengthen the implementation of OSH to prevent and control the pandemic at workplace. Through this Guideline, workplaces can take comprehensive actions to ensure sustainability of businesses and the protection of workers,” said Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director for the ILO in Indonesia, appraising the launch of this joint Guideline. This Guideline support safer and more sustainable businesses. This Guideline also provides samples of checklists and forms that are easily used and replicated by companies to ensure safe working environments and to better protect the workers.” Danang Girindrawardana, Executive Director of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) The Guideline provides a reference for companies to create safe and hygienic workplaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic at workplace. The Guideline covers issues related work-related risk assessment, risk-assessment for workers, procedures and implementation mechanisms, resources and the role of tripartite in preventing and handing the COVID-19 pandemic at workplace. It also integrates COVID-19 protocols into companies’ OSH programmes, such as the first aiders to handle emergency cases at work and the adjustment of other health programme during pandemic such as health and well-being, mental health, HIV/AIDS and TB. It is very important for the Guideline to be well-socialized to all leaders of trade union confederations so that this can be socialized to their members and workers in general.” Elly Rosita Silaban, President of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI) The Guidelines receives a good support from both employers and workers. Danang Girindrawardana, Executive Director of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), appraised the joint initiative to sustain businesses during the pandemic and beyond. “This Guideline support safer and more sustainable businesses. This Guideline also provides samples of checklists and forms that are easily used and replicated by companies to ensure safe working environments and to better protect the workers,” he said.Meanwhile, support from national trade union confederations was represented by the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI). Elly Rosita Silaban, President of KSBSI, underscored the importance of active involvement of trade unions in the prevention process of the pandemic at the company level. “It is very important for the Guideline to be well-socialized to all leaders of trade union confederations so that this can be socialized to their members and workers in general,” she stated.

The National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) month, held annually from 12 January to 12 February, was marked with two important national events held in Westernmost Province of Aceh: The national seminar held by Iskandar Muda University, Banda Aceh, on 11 January and the launch of the National OSH month at Zero Kilometre Monument of Sabang, Aceh, on 12 January. OSH measurement taken at the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic (c) ILO/F. Latief These activities were conducted by the Ministry of Manpower with support from relevant labour actors in the country, including the ILO. Under this year’s theme, “Strengthening Superior Human Resources and OSH Culture in All Business Sectors”, the National OSH month highlighted the importance of OSH, particularly during the challenging situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is a very significant connection. Once companies increase their investments in OSH, the rate of work accidents also decrease. This improves the overall companies’ safety performances, for sure.”
Ida Fauziyah, Minister of Manpower
During the launch of the National OSH month, Ida Fauziyah, Minister of Manpower, reminded that enterprises regarding three requiring components for good OSH performance: Commitment and leadership of the management, active engagement of workers and greater access to OSH advices. She also encourage enterprises to see the connection between investments in OSH and safety performances. “It is a very significant connection. Once companies increase their investments in OSH, the rate of work accidents also decrease. This improves the overall companies’ safety performances, for sure,” said the Minister Ida.Acknowledging the high number of work accidents, added Minister Ida, the Ministry of Manpower is going take some actions. The first action is the finalization of the National OSH programme for the period of 2021-2025. Still in the process of gaining the approval of the President of Indonesia, the programme acts as guidelines for the government and other relevant stakeholders in improving the quality of prevention, handling and control of work accidents in all sectors, including micro and small businesses.
People are increasingly connected to digital information anywhere and anytime that has brought implications to safety and health in the workplace. Therefore we need start focusing on the usage of the technology to the OSH practices and implementations.”
Abdul Hakim, ILO’s National Project Officer for Social Dialogue to Promote Decent Work and Business Sustainability
The second action is the labour inspection reform. The reform is not only limited to strengthening the integrity of the labour inspection, but also include renewing approaches in public development and services. In the context of OSH reform, a platform named https://temank3.id has been developed for all OSH stakeholders to be informed about developments of OSH in Indonesia covering public services, certification as well as improvements in quality and capability of individuals and companies in OSH.The third action is the commitment to reducing occupational accidents and occupational diseases in Indonesia through the Three Zeros: Zero Accident; Zero Violation of OSH; and Zero Penalty of OSH Enforcement.Congratulating the commitment of Indonesian government on OSH implementation, Abdul Hakim, ILO’s National Project Officer for Social Dialogue to Promote Decent Work and Business Sustainability, said that the three actions planned by the government could significantly contribute to a reduction in the number of work accidents in Indonesia and to widely promote OSH culture in the country.

Digital-based work as part of the future of work (c) ILO/B. Byambasuren

During the discussion at the Iskandar Muda University, Abdul explained about the importance of connecting OSH with the enhancement of technology driving the Revolution 4.0. “People are increasingly connected to digital information anywhere and anytime that has brought implications to safety and health in the workplace. Therefore we need start focusing on the usage of the technology to the OSH practices and implementations,” he said.Therefore, related to the future of work and OSH, he reminded the participants about the importance of examining and assessing occupational risks and hazards in sectors utilizing artificial intelligence, robots and digital platforms. “These three platforms are believed to pose new risks and dangers. In the context of digital platforms, we see the possibility of increasing psychosocial risks, digital security to cyberspace, aggression and attacks on privacy,” Abdul concluded.The support of the ILO was given through its Social Dialogue to Promote Decent Work and Business Sustainability project. The project aims to strengthen social dialogue among the tripartite constituents and its institutions at the national level as well as to strengthen bipartite mechanisms as means to enable businesses to operate safely and productively, and workers to have safe working environment.

To support Indonesia’s national effort to reach the goal of 90 percent of estimated people living with HIV know their status by 2030, the ILO organized a virtual interactive session regarding the ILO-WHO Joint Guideline on HIV self-testing (HIVST) at workplace on 11 December. The guideline, developed in 2018 aims to increase HIV awareness and scale up the strategy at workplace that makes HIV testing services more accessible and appealing to those in need.
As part of the HIV/AIDS prevention programme, HIVST may provide the benefits at workplaces as it can reach many workers at risk of HIV infection with lower access to HIV testing services. It also may increase uptake of HIV testing by offering workers greater confidentiality and autonomy and saving time for workers and health-care providers.”
Syed M. Afsar, ILO’s Senior Technical Specialist on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work
The Indonesian Ministry of Health data in 2020 revealed that only 398,784 of 543,100 estimated people living with HIV/AIDS in the country know HIV status. Meanwhile, out of 640,443 people with HIV/AIDS in 2018, only 17 percent of them receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ARV). Syed M. Afsar, ILO’s Senior Technical Specialist on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work, highlighted three pillars of HIV programme at workplace as all covered by the HIVST: Prevention, treatment and human rights. “As part of the HIV/AIDS prevention programme, HIVST may provide the benefits at workplaces as it can reach many workers at risk of HIV infection with lower access to HIV testing services. It also may increase uptake of HIV testing by offering workers greater confidentiality and autonomy and saving time for workers and health-care providers,” he said.As of June 2018, 59 countries have adopted HIVST policies and many others are developing them. One of the countries is South Africa. South Africa introduced HIVST in industries that employ mostly men, such as mining, construction, security, petroleum and agriculture. Between January and June 2018, 66 percent of the HIVST kits distributed went to men and of those tested, 4.2 percent were diagnosed HIV positive. “To ensure the effectiveness of the HIVST at workplace, advocacy with the high-level management is key and trade unions play an effective role in ensuring the implementation of the HIVST. The management is bit more sceptical, although most staff welcome the initiative,” added Afsar presenting the lessons learned from the experiences in other countries. The signing of non-discriminatory commitment and policy of PT Angkasa Pura II
Prevention programmes remain our priority programme through awareness raising and VCT@Work. For those who found HIV positive can continue working and have the same access and benefits with other employees.”
Bayuh Iswantoro, Vice President of Corporate Safety Management of PT Angkasa Pura II
Responding to the HIVST initiative, two national companies, PT Angkasa Pura II, an airport transport company and PT Waskita Karya (Persero), a construction company, presented various HIV prevention programmes they have conducted, including the commitment from the high-level management about the application of a non-discriminatory policy.Bayuh Iswantoro, Vice President of Corporate Safety Management of PT Angkasa Pura II, presented commitment of the company through the development of a non-discriminatory policy, training of trainers on HIV prevention, VCT@Work programme and peer counsellors. “Prevention programmes remain our priority programme through awareness raising and VCT@Work. For those who found HIV positive can continue working and have the same access and benefits with other employees,” he said.

One of the HIV education programmes at the workplace

Similarly, Subhan, SVP QHSE and System Division of PT Waskita Karya (Persero), explained that the HIV prevention programmes have been implemented in its all working units and projects. “HIV prevention programme has become the key performance indicator for all our field managers and we collaborated with primary health clinics on managing VCT@Work in 35 road construction project sites in Indonesia. As a result, we have been awarded with HIV awards by the Ministry of Manpower,” told Subhan.
HIV prevention programme has become the key performance indicator for all our field managers and we collaborated with primary health clinics on managing VCT@Work in 35 road construction project sites in Indonesia. As a result, we have been awarded with HIV awards by the Ministry of Manpower.”
Subhan, SVP QHSE and System Division of PT Waskita Karya (Persero)
The interactive session was concluded with an agreement that HIVST at workplace initiative was important and strategic initiative that could be integrated into the existing HIV prevention and VCT programmes and help enterprises mitigating the impact of HIV at workplace and to eliminate stigma and discrimination. However, there was a need for more intensive HIV education and awareness programme to encourage the voluntarily participation of workers in this initiative.This interactive session also marked the final webinars conducted by the ILO’s HIV programme from October to December 2020. As part of the World AIDS Day 2020, the ILO conducted a series of eight webinars raising various issues related to HIV/AIDS and the world of work to strengthen the implementation of non-discriminatory policy and HIV prevention programme at the workplace.

Four winning video blogs (vlogs) on non-discriminatory policy and HIV prevention programme at workplace were announced on 11 December at a virtual announcement ceremony titled “Promoting HIV Prevention Programme through Innovative Approach at Workplace”. The winning announcement was officially given by Michiko Miyamoto, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia and Rima Melati, representative of […]

To commemorate the World AIDS Day 2020, the ILO launched three video best practices on HIV prevention programmes at the enterprise level on 1 December. The launch also marked a handover of these best practice videos from the ILO to the Ministry of Manpower for nationwide dissemination through the Ministry’s provincial offices across the country. The virtual launch conducted in conjunction with the commemoration of the World AIDS Day 2020

On behalf of the Ministry of Manpower, I greatly welcome these initiatives as these videos can be used as a reference on the implementation of HIV prevention programmes and contribute to strengthening the application of the Manpower Ministerial Decree No. 68/2004.”
Dr Ghazmahadi, Director of OSH Inspection of the Ministry of Manpower

“HIV/AIDS is a workplace issue. We need to have more documentation of best practices at workplace as inclusive workplaces save lives. The ILO hopes that these videos can inspire more companies to follow the good practices and we thank our partner, the Ministry of Manpower, to widely disseminate them,” stated Kazutoshi Chatani, in his remarks before 500 participants. Meanwhile, Dr Ghazmahadi, Director of OSH Inspection of the Ministry of Manpower, highlighted the importance of innovative HIV prevention programme. He also called for more participation from the enterprises. “On behalf of the Ministry of Manpower, I greatly welcome these initiatives as these videos can be used as a reference on the implementation of HIV prevention programmes and contribute to strengthening the application of the Manpower Ministerial Decree No. 68/2004.”Best practices at the enterprise level
The best practice videos feature various initiatives and programmes conducted by three multinational companies: PT Pertamina Persero, Hazama Ando-WIKA Joint Operation and Star Energy Geothermal (Wayang Windu), Ltd. These companies represent HIV high-risk sectors, such as mining, construction, gas and oil as well as transportation sectors. These sectors are known for their high-risk type of workers: Mobile men with money.These videos document the implementation of non-discriminatory policies and integrated HIV/AIDS prevention programmes for both the employees and surrounding communities. They also feature how the companies can dedicate their company social responsibility (CSR) programme to HIV/AIDS related activities in order to create inclusive communities.Promoting non-discriminatory workplace and community: PT Pertamina Persero
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As a state-owned company, PT Pertamina Persero is the pioneer company in the implementation of HIV prevention programme at the workplace. In addition to the non-discriminatory commitment from the high-level management, the company has conducted a various internal programmes including the HIV clause in the collective labour agreement (CLB). Through its branch office in Subang district, Pertamina demonstrates three main priority activities for its community activities, ranging from the establishment of community-based HIV prevention programme, supporting primary health clinic on VCT, educational programme and economic empowerment programme for local community, including people with HIV as well as conducting 698 VCT test programmes and supporting 80 people with HIV.Promoting non-discriminatory workplace and community: Star Energy Geothermal (Wayang Windu), Ltd
[embedded content] This national company has focused its internal HIV prevention programme through an education programme, voluntarily testing programme and the involvement of trade union. At the community level, the company initiated a mapping of key population covering 13 villages in Pangalengan, West Java, which is also known as a tourism area. The findings were used as a reference for and the development of HIV prevention programme in the forms of information dissemination and the availability of rapid test kits. This initiative has been replicated by the Provincial Government of West Java to other regions.Promoting non-discriminatory workplace and community: Hazama Ando – WIKA Joint Operation
[embedded content] Internally, the company has developed a written non-discriminatory policy, conducted education programme through peer educators as well as voluntarily testing programme. At the community level, the company initiated the establishment of Community Cares for AIDS (WPA) programme in 2018 covering two surrounding villages in Wonogiri, Central Java: Pondok Sari Village and Pokoh Kidul Village. The WPA programmes aim to raise the awareness about HIV, share knowledge and conduct community training. These activities. The villages have taken ownership of the programme by allocating village fund to conduct their own HIV prevention programmes.

Social distancing applied at the workplace (c) ILO/F. Latief What can be done to maintain the protection of workers, their families and their surrounding communities against both COVID-19 and HIV pandemics? One company, PT Cilegon Fabricators, has successfully taken measures to integrate prevention programmes both pandemics. With this current pandemic, we have integrated HIV prevention programme with COVID-19 programme. This is to ensure a safe workplace and a protection for both our workers and the management.” dr Irwan Wicaksono, HSE Manager and Company Doctor of PT Cilegon Fabricators Employing a total of 1,126 workers, of whom 1,100 are male workers, PT Cilegon Fabricators has actively implemented HIV prevention programme at the workplace since 2006. The company, located in Serang, Banten, has conducted a variety of HIV programmes, covering peer counselors, voluntarily HIV test programme (VCT@Work), HIV education programmes and incorporation of HIV issues into company’s occupational safety and health (OSH) mechanism.“With this current pandemic, we have integrated HIV prevention programme with COVID-19 programme. This is to ensure a safe workplace and a protection for both our workers and the management,” explained dr Irwan Wicaksono, HSE Manager and Company Doctor of PT Cilegon Fabricators.He shared the good practice of PT Cilegon Fabricators before 500 people viewing the webinar on 10 November, jointly conducted by ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Health and the National OSH Council. The webinar marked the fourth out of eight Tuesday webinars, aimed to increase the awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention at workplace during the pandemic, encourage more good practices from companies and support the integration of HIV/AIDS into the government’s OSH National Strategy 2021-2025.Benefits of the integrated programmes A rapid test conducted at the workplace (c) ILO/F. Latief As most of our attention are drawn to the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic, the integrated programme is a good strategy to ensure that HIV/AIDS issues are not left behind. We can deal with these two pandemics under the integrated programmes.” dr Adi Sasongko, an expert from Kusuma Buana Foundation, a local NGO working on HIV/AIDS at the workplace The integrated programmes conducted by PT Cilegon Fabricators include an integrated education programme combining educational materials for both HIV and COVID-19, an integrated training programme for various departments, including the OSH team and an integrated testing programme for both VCT@work and rapid test. “These integrated programmes are also cost effective for the company,” said dr Irwan.Not only cost effective, dr Adi Sasongko, an expert from Kusuma Buana Foundation, a local NGO working on HIV/AIDS at the workplace, highlighted other benefits from this integrated programme. “As most of our attention are drawn to the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic, the integrated programme is a good strategy to ensure that HIV/AIDS issues are not left behind. We can deal with these two pandemics under the integrated programmes,” he said.In addition, the company also implements social distancing, use of masks and temperature checks. Guests from outside the company area are required to take a rapid or swab test before being allowed to enter the company’s premises. “Due to the nature of our company, we are not able to implement teleworking for our workers. Thus, we really take serious protective and preventive measures for our workers and we work closely with a local health service. These integrated programmes are also cost effective for the company,” added dr Irwan.A stronger collaboration with local health services A VCT programme at the enterprise level with support from the public health center (c) ILO With support from the local public health service, the company has provided a quarantine facility for 12 workers infected by COVID-19. Yenni Kesuma, Head of Public Health Service (Puskemas) Pulo Ampel in Serang, Banten highlighted the importance of collaboration between the health services and the enterprises in providing adequate health care and protection in the midst of the pandemic. I hope more companies will follow the footstep of PT Cilegon Fabricators to open their doors for a collaborative effort with local health service.” Yenni Kesuma, Head of Public Health Service (Puskemas) Pulo Ampel in Serang, Banten Not only COVID-19, Yenni added the collaboration between public health service and companies is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of prevention programme of HIV and other related diseases. “Since early this year, we have developed a programme to improve our coordination with companies in the surrounding area of our health service,” said Yenni. Through this collaboration, both enterprise and health service could support one another in the counselling programmes, preparedness of VCT@Work and rapid test and the availability of treatment. “I hope more companies will follow the footstep of PT Cilegon Fabricators to open their doors for a collaborative effort with local health service,” she concluded.

Violence against women is among the most wide-spread human rights violations globally, including in Indonesia. Numerous studies from the around the globe also confirm the links between violence against HIV. Women living with HIV are more likely to have experienced violence, and that, women who have experienced violence are more likely to have HIV infection. [embedded content] To further discuss about vulnerability of women to violence and HIV, the ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Health conducted a webinar, “Why do women still struggle with vulnerability against violence and HIV”, on 3 November. The webinar reached a viewership of more than 350 people.The webinar marked the third webinar out of the eight webinars conducted by the ILO and its social partners to raise the public awareness about HIV/AIDS at the workplace and its linkage to the occupational safety and health (OSH). Covering various issues from youth, women to workplace best practices and government’s commitment, these webinars have been conducted from mid of October to the World AIDS Day on 1 December. Vulnerability of women to violence and HIV “When a women experience violence, she not only suffers from multiple layers of injustice, which includes restriction in mobility, access to health services and education, she also become more vulnerable to HIV that deprives her from the opportunity to participate in public life and economic activities,” said Early D. Nuriana, the ILO’s programme coordinator on HIV, when presenting the ILO’s Recommendation No. 200 on HIV/AIDS and world of work and the latest ILO’s Violence and Harassment Convention No. 190/2019. Due to their HIV status, they got double violence and blamed when seeking help. Thus, IPPI is calling for a HIV-friendly service to help these women.” Baby Rivona Nasution, an HIV activist of the Association of Positive Women Indonesia (IPPI) Baby Rivona Nasution, an HIV activist of the Association of Positive Women Indonesia (IPPI), presented the latest mini survey conducted by IPPI for its members, covering eight cities. The survey found that majority of its members experience at least one if not all types of violence from verbal, physical, sexual and reproductive abuses. Most of these abused victims preferred to keep silence as they faced even a greater discrimination when trying to report their cases to the authorities or seeking help to medical services. “Due to their HIV status, they got double violence and blamed when seeking help. Thus, IPPI is calling for a HIV-friendly service to help these women,” said Baby. Safe migration should be viewed in a holistic way by providing a proper training not only for working skills, but also for giving them better knowledge on reproductive health and HIV prevention in each migration cycle.” Anis Hidayah, Head of Study Department of Migrant Care From the perspective of migrant workers, Anis Hidayah, Head of Study Department of Migrant Care, shared the vulnerability of migrant workers to sexual harassment and HIV. Cultural taboos and religious beliefs, tying together with a sense of shame and secrecy, have inhibited proper education about reproductive health and safe sex for potential migrant workers before working afar from their families in destination countries. “Safe migration is still limited to administrative procedures. Violence and HIV vulnerabilities are potentially occurred in each of migration cycle. Safe migration should be viewed in a holistic way by providing a proper training not only for working skills, but also for giving them better knowledge on reproductive health and HIV prevention in each migration cycle,” stated Anis. Promoting a free-harassment workplace This programme provides a good understanding about equality, violence, sexual harassment and ways to prevent or solve them as part of the company’s programme. The result is not only the positive changes in working environment, but also changes in the surrounding community.” Shelly Woyla, Gender Focal Point of the ILO’s Better Work Indonesia (BWI) programme Workers in garment sector who predominantly are women also face similar vulnerability to violence and HIV. However, Shelly Woyla, Gender Focal Point of the ILO’s Better Work Indonesia (BWI) programme, said that BWI has initiated a programme that promotes awareness about gender-based violence, including HIV: Respectful Workplace Programme (RWP). “This programme involves commitment from all levels leadership of the company from the CEO, supervisors and the workers themselves. This programme provides a good understanding about equality, violence, sexual harassment and ways to prevent or solve them as part of the company’s programme. The result is not only the positive changes in working environment, but also changes in the surrounding community,” explained Shelly. The workplace education programme at PT USG includes HIV socialization (c) ILO/F. Latief One of the BWI’s companies that have implemented this programme was PT Ungaran Sari Garment (USG) in Semarang, Central Java. With a total of 300 workers of whom 95 percent women, PT USG has inserted the HIV protection in its Collective Labour Agreement (PKB), provided information on HIV and workplace issues and establish other health services for women workers such as pregnancy programme. We want to create a working environment where workers feel protected and comfortable and they also feel respected in equal working environment, including for workers with HIV.” Nur Arifin, Senior Manager for Human Resources and Compliance of PT USG “We want to create a working environment where workers feel protected and comfortable and they also feel respected in equal working environment, including for workers with HIV,” shared Nur Arifin, Senior Manager for Human Resources and Compliance of PT USG.The webinar was concluded with the review of existing laws and regulations related to the protection of women workers. Tresye Widiastuty Paidi, a labour inspector of the Ministry of Manpower, presented various relevant laws and regulations. However, she admitted the existing law has not yet provided adequate sanctions. Although the article No. 6 of Labour Law No.13/2003 has regulated about equal treatment without discrimination, in the implementation the sanction given is only administration sanction. “Lack of openness, shame and secrecy have made women to keep their problems against violence and HIV to themselves. We need to break this cycle,” she concluded.