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The resilience of Indonesia’s OSH System is tested during the pandemic

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Health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic at workplace (c) ILO/F. Latief In conjunction with the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the ILO conducted two series of events: media briefing for journalists and media organizations and national occupational safety and health (OSH) webinar. Under the theme of “the Portrayal of OSH Investments in Indonesia”, the media briefing and webinar were organized on 27 and 29 April, respectively.
The unemployment benefit aims to provide unemployed workers with a temporary and partial income replacement, while severance pay aims to appreciate workers for long services.”
Hery Sutanto, Director for OSH Institutional Development of the Ministry of Manpower
These events aimed to raise the awareness about the importance of OSH investments and the vital role that safe workplaces played for crisis recovery and prevention. Drawing on the current lessons learned, the events also focused on strengthening national OSH systems as an effort to build resilience in dealing with the current COVID-19 and the future crises. The two events presented Yuka Ujita, ILO’s OSH specialist. She highlighted the ILO’s OSH latest report titled “Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises. Invest now in resilient OSH systems”. The report examines risk prevention and management related to pandemic. It also outlines the critical roles played during the pandemic by OSH regulatory frameworks and institutions, compliance mechanisms, health and advisory services, data, research and training.She also reminded that, as well as the health and care sectors, many other workplaces have been sources of COVID-19 outbreaks, particularly small and micro-sized enterprises. “The informal economy has difficulties to meet official OSH requirements due to lack of resources in adapting to the threats posed by the pandemic,” said Yuka.
The informal economy has difficulties to meet official OSH requirements due to lack of resources in adapting to the threats posed by the pandemic.”
Yuka Ujita, ILO’s OSH specialist
The two events also presented the OSH investments made by the Indonesian government. In addition to series of regulatory frameworks, Ministry of Manpower recently launched the new unemployment benefit as response to the socio-economic impact of the pandemic. “The unemployment benefit aims to provide unemployed workers with a temporary and partial income replacement, while severance pay aims to appreciate workers for long services,” stated Hery Sutanto, Director for OSH Institutional Development. Other investments included the establishment of COVID-19 control and prevention programme at the enterprise level, the development of the National OSH Strategy 2021-2025, labour inspection reform, OSH online platform for certification and capacity building and the regional OSH programmes at the ASEAN level. Perspectives of media on OSH Journalists should be aware of the threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic (c) Tempo.co

Media organizations still focus on terrors and intimidation to journalists, but not yet focus on the overall OSH issues to better protect their journalists and media workers. As a result, media reportage have not linked the pandemic related issues to OSH and have not covered the pandemic issues in a comprehensive way.”
Wahyu Dhyatmika, Secretary General for the Association for Indonesian Media Cyber (AMSI) and Editor-in-Chief of Tempo, a leading media in Indonesia
The media briefing was jointly conducted with the Alliance of Indonesian Journalists (AJI) Jakarta. In addition to the ILO report and the government’s investments, the media briefing also discussed perspective of the media on OSH. Wahyu Dhyatmika, Secretary General for the Association for Indonesian Media Cyber (AMSI) and Editor-in-Chief of Tempo, a leading media in Indonesia, admitted that mass media organizations have not yet focused on OSH for their journalists and media workers. Media organization have not yet considered pandemic related issues as OSH issues. “Media organizations still focus on terrors and intimidation to journalists, but not yet focus on the overall OSH issues to better protect their journalists and media workers. As a result, media reportage have not linked the pandemic related issues to OSH and have not covered the pandemic issues in a comprehensive way,” said Wahyu.However, he added, some efforts have been made to improve the protection of journalists. One of them was through the publication of the guideline on safety protocols for journalists. “We hope to continue raising the awareness among journalists and media organizations about this important issue and this will be part of the policy of the National Press Council,” he added.Perspectives of workers and employers
OSH Webinar 2021 Complementing the explanation about the OSH resilience and investment, the OSH Webinar, jointly conducted with the Ministry of Manpower, highlighted joint efforts taken by both workers and employers. Fransiskus Sales Sudaryono, OSH Committee of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) and Djoko Wahyudi, Head of Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia of the Indonesian Muslims Trade Union Confederation (K-Sarbumusi), shared their experiences.
The government is committed to tackle COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Both employers and workers should be part of the commitment to accelerate the OSH implementation, invest in long-term OSH programmes and ensure both business sustainability as well as the protection of workers.”
Haiyani Rumondang, Director General on Labour Inspection and OSH Development of the Ministry of Manpower
Fransiskus admitted that before the COVID-19 pandemic, companies tended to focus on safety issues and not on the health issues. However, to prevent the virus transmission at the workplace, company members of Apindo have now focused on both safety and health by establishing COVID-19 Task Force. Companies have also made the best use of technology to conduct health detection and contact tracing. “In addition to daily communications and health patrol at the enterprise level, we also use a mobile application to ensure workers’ health condition and to monitor distance and tracing. We work together with trade unions to protect workers and maintain business sustainability,” he said.Similar efforts were also shared by Djoko. “We work together with the management to integrate COVID-19 protocols into the company’s OSH policy of “zero accident and zero COVID-19 cases”. We also support work adjustments by ensuring physical distancing, better air circulation, sanitizing and so forth,” Djoko said.In addition to the policies and workplace adjustments, Djoko added, the trade union has also made efforts to support the welfare of workers and the surrounding communities. “We provide donations and social facilities for workers and we also ensure the safety of our surrounding communities by organizing the sanitation.”The active involvement of employers and workers was also the key message highlighted by Haiyani Rumondang, Director General on Labour Inspection and OSH Development of the Ministry of Manpower, in her remarks. “The government is committed to tackle COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Both employers and workers should be part of the commitment to accelerate the OSH implementation, invest in long-term OSH programmes and ensure both business sustainability as well as the protection of workers.”

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ILO calls for resilient occupational safety and health systems for future emergencies

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© KB Mpofu / ILO GENEVA (ILO News) – Countries need to put in place sound and resilient occupational safety and health (OSH) systems that would minimize the risks for everyone in the world of work in the event of future health emergencies, says the International Labour Organization (ILO) in a report, released on World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This will require investment in OSH infrastructure and integrating it into overall national crisis emergency preparedness and response plans, so that workers’ safety and health is protected, and the business continuity of enterprises is supported. The report, Anticipate, prepare and respond to crises. Invest now in resilient OSH systems, examines risk prevention and management relating to the pandemic, and analyses other health and safety risks associated with the changing work arrangements arising from virus control measures. It outlines the critical roles played during the pandemic by occupational safety and health regulatory frameworks and institutions, compliance mechanisms, health and advisory services, data, research and training. “There could be no clearer demonstration of the importance of a strong, resilient, occupational safety and health environment. Recovery and prevention will require better national policies, institutional and regulatory frameworks, properly integrated into crisis response frameworks,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder. There could be no clearer demonstration of the importance of a strong, resilient, occupational safety and health environment.” Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged workers in specific sectors, such as emergency, health and social care, have been particularly vulnerable to the risk of infection. According to data cited in the report, 7,000 health workers have died since the outbreak of the crisis, while 136 million health and social care workers are at risk of contracting COVID-19 through work. The pressures and risks facing health workers during the pandemic have also taken a toll on their mental health: one in five healthcare workers globally have reported depression and anxiety symptoms. As well as the health and care sectors many other workplaces have been sources of COVID-19 outbreaks, when staff are in closed environments or spend time in close proximity with each other, including in shared accommodation or transport. In analyzing the health concerns arising from the dramatic increase in teleworking during the pandemic, the report says that while teleworking has been essential in limiting the spread of the virus, maintaining jobs and business continuity and giving workers increased flexibility, it has also blurred the lines between work and private life. Sixty-five per cent of enterprises surveyed by the ILO and the G20 OSH Network reported that worker morale has been difficult to sustain while teleworking. The report says small and micro-sized enterprises have often found it hard to meet official OSH requirements because many have lacked the resources to adapt to the threats posed by the pandemic. In the informal economy, many of the 1.6 billion workers, especially in developing countries, have continued working despite lockdowns, restrictions on movement and social interaction, and other measures. This has put them at high risk of catching the virus, yet most do not have access to basic social protection, such as sick leave or sick pay. International labour standards (ILS) offer specific guidance on how to respond to these challenges, thereby reducing the risk of virus transmission in the workplace, the report says. They provide tools to implement OSH measures and to ensure that workers, employers and governments can maintain decent work, while adjusting to the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. ILS also encourage social dialogue as the best way to ensure that procedures and protocols are effectively implemented and accepted.

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Safer workplaces by integrating HIV and COVID-19 prevention programme

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COVID-19 testing conducted at the workplace The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened health systems and disrupted routine medical care for many people globally and nationally. As a result, many people living with HIV and other diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) are facing major barriers to accessing the care and the medicine they need to survive.The disruption caused by the pandemic may create conditions that facilitate the spread of HIV, as people may be unable to access services such as HIV testing and treatment. All of these changes could also make it more difficult to reach vulnerable populations.The ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower and the Indonesian Medical Association for Occupational Health (IDKI) recently launched a Guideline on COVID-19 Prevention and Control at Workplace. Understanding the importance of an integrated programme and ensuring the other health programme are not left behind, the Guideline has included key integrated measurements for the adjustment of prevention and handling of COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS, among others: Confidentiality policy in relations to numerous daring consultation. An informed consent on health status disclosure, if certain conditions are required to inform people with HIV infected by COVID-19. An integrated campaign on HIV and COVID-19 and the usage of digital media. An integrated testing programme for HIV and COVID-19. A special intention given to people living with HIV who are vulnerable being infected by COVID-19. A multi month dispensing by giving ARV treatment for 3 months (not one month) to avoid repetitive visits to medical health services. Integrated programmes at company level Some companies have integrated their HIV and COVID-19 prevention and control programmes. The integrated programme at the company level show the evidence that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of HIV/AIDS prevention programme at workplace remains feasible. Port workers and sea fares are vulnerable to HIV and COVID-19 An integrated programme was conducted at Tanjung Emas port, in Semarang, Central Java for two months in November-December 2020. The port manages at least 640 port workers and 3,000 mobile seafarers monthly. Due to their nature of works, seafarers and port workers—the majority of whom are male and mobile—are vulnerable to both HIV and COVID-19. The programme started with the integrated education and socialization programme on HIV and COVID-19 for all staff, including the port’s high-level management. This programme was conducted with support from the port health office and a local NGO deals with HIV issue, Kalandara Foundation, followed by a voluntarily HIV counselling and test (VCT@Work) programme. The VCT programme applied the COVID-19 protocols (physical distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing and so forth) with a participation of 182 seafarers and port workers. The programme also referred to ARV treatment for those who were diagnosed HIV positive. The programme concluded with the signing of a non-discriminatory policy at Tanjung Emas port by the Authority of Tanjung Emas Port, Indonesia National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) and the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPSI). The policy highlighted the rights of people living with HIV and people infected by COVID-19 from discrimination at workplace.At the company level, PT Cilegon Fabricators has successfully taken measures to integrate prevention programmes for both pandemics. Located in Serang, Banten, the company employs a total of 1,126 workers, of whom 1,100 are male workers.The integration programme was conducted in collaboration with the local primary health clinic and a local NGO deals with HIV issue, Kusuma Buana Foundation. The programme includes the combination of 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. “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.

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ILO and its partners release a new COVID-19 Guideline to protect both businesses and workers

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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.

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OSH Month: Investments on OSH improve companies’ safety performances

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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.

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Reaching out the first 90 goal by introducing the ILO-WHO Joint Guideline on HIV Self-Testing at Workplace

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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.

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ILO-Apindo team up to promote innovative campaign on HIV prevention at workplace

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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 […]

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Three companies share good practices for employees and communities to combat discrimination against HIV

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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.

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Combating stigma and discrimination against HIV with creative campaigns

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Combating stigma and discrimination against HIV with creative campaigns

Thirty representatives of companies participated in a video blog (vlog) training on HIV prevention programme at the workplace. The participating companies represented the HIV high-risk working sector such as construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas as well as manufacturing. One of educational vlogs on HIV and OSH developed by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower Held on 11 November, the training intended to equip selected participants with knowledge on HIV prevention programme at the workplace. The training also intended to equip them with skills to produce their own vlogs in order to raise the awareness about issues related to HIV at the workplace and to promote a non-discriminatory policy at the workplace. With the rising number of HIV cases in productive age of 15-24 years old, we support the initiative to conduct more creative HIV educational campaigns using trending promotional tools such as video blogs.” dr Rima Melati, HIV focal point of Apindo The training was conducted by the ILO in collaboration with the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo). Dr Rima Melati, HIV focal point of Apindo, said that without adequate education and socialization, stigma and discrimination against people with HIV would be difficult to combat.“With the rising number of HIV cases in productive age of 15-24 years old, we support the initiative to conduct more creative HIV educational campaigns using trending promotional tools such as video blogs. We need to find ways to reach out to greater audiences, including millennials,” she said.“They key to combat stigma and discrimination against people with HIV is through knowledge. Therefore, we hope that through this vlog training, the enterprises can conduct their own HIV campaigns in creative and interesting way. This will also support the promotion and creation of inclusive and equal workplace by making best use of non-traditional channels such as social media,” said Early Dewi Nuriana, the ILO’s programme coordinator for HIV prevention, commenting on the importance of the training. One of the HIV education programmes conducted for workers at transportation company During the training, the participants learnt how to use their smartphones to produce vlogs, shoot pictures and develop interesting story plots and video editing. They were also able to choose topics from the five main themes: HIV education programme (myths and facts on HIV), elimination of stigma and discrimination against HIV, knowing your status, stay healthy with HIV and promotion of non-discriminatory policy at the workplace. Therefore, we hope that through this vlog training, the enterprises can conduct their own HIV campaigns in creative and interesting way. This will also support the promotion and creation of inclusive and equal workplace by making best use of non-traditional channels such as social media.” Early Dewi Nuriana, the ILO’s programme coordinator for HIV prevention After the training, the participants receive practical coaching and mentorship from professional videographers for two weeks until end of November. The mentors provide necessary guidance throughout the production processes until the finalization of the vlogs. “To make this training and mentoring activity more interesting and rewarding, we also conduct an internal competition among the participants. The appointed jurors, including members of HIV Working Group, will select four best vlogs based on contents, techniques and creativities,” added Early.The winners of the vlog competition will be announced on the World AIDS Day on 1 December. The winning vlogs will also be used by the ILO as part of its campaign to promote non-discriminatory workplace and equal employment opportunity for people with HIV.

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Integrating HIV and COVID-19 prevention programmes for safer workplaces

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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.

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