JAKARTA, Indonesia (ILO News) - Representatives from ten national trade union confederations publicly presented a joint Trade Union Position Paper on Business and Human Rights (BHR) at the National Commission on Human Rights in Jakarta on 13 February. The Position Paper underscores their unified commitment to shaping Indonesia's evolving regulatory framework on responsible business conduct.

Taking turns to read from the document aloud, union leaders reaffirmed the role they wish to play in strengthening human rights in business operations and in shaping the proposed Presidential Regulation on Human Rights Due Diligence, which is currently under drafting.

Ten trade union confederations publicly launch their joint Position Paper on Business and Human Rights in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 13 February 2026.

The Position Paper was developed through consultations brokered by the ILO under the Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) Project. Discussions brought together unions of various stripes to review the draft regulation, identify key concerns and forge key recommendations to strengthen its scope and coverage.

The Position Paper was signed by leaders of the following confederations: All-Indonesia Trade Union Confederation (KSPSI-ATUC); KSPSI-Reconciliation (KSPSI-Rekonsiliasi); KSPSI Reform (KSPSI-Pembaruan); Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI); All-Indonesia Labour Union Confederation (KSBSI); Confederation of Indonesian Prosperous Labour Unions (K-SBSI); Indonesian Muslim Labour Union Confederation (KSARBUMUSI); National Workers Union Confederation (KSPN); Nusantara Trade Union Confederation; and Indonesian Labour Union Alliance Confederation (KASBI).

Through this joint Position Paper, we, as Indonesia's trade union confederations, send a strong collective message of our determination to ensure that responsible business conduct is firmly anchored in respect for workers' rights and decent work principles.

Eduard Parsaulian Marpaung, Deputy President of KSBSI

The release of the Position Paper follows the recent signing of the Joint Government-Business Declaration of Commitment on Business and Human Rights by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister of Manpower, together with the Chairpersons of the Indonesian Employers' Association (APINDO) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). It affirms a shared commitment from business and government to respect human rights and decent work and accelerate the uptake of the RBC across the country's business landscape.

With the current National Strategy on BHR set to expire in December 2025, unions stressed that Indonesia is at a critical juncture. The forthcoming regulation, they argued, must reinforce, not dilute, existing protections for workers.

"The release of this Position Paper marks a significant moment for Indonesia's labour movement. As Indonesia looks to develop a policy framework for Human Rights Due Diligence, it's important to note that the achievement of responsible business depends on the active participation of workers and their unions, ensuring that the country's economic development is grounded in respect for human rights and decent work," said David Williams, Project Manager of the ILO's RISSC Project.

Handover of the Trade Union Position Paper on Business and Human Rights to the National Commission on Human Rights in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 13 February 2026.

In their joint statement, the unions called for significantly greater involvement of workers' organisations in shaping national 'responsible business' policies and called for meaningful participation in related functions at the firm level, notably Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD).

The Position Paper flags 22 weaknesses in the draft Presidential Decree, warning it risks being symbolic without sanctions or enforcement. Key concerns include the absence of victim remediation or compensation, vague definitions, unclear distinctions between HRDD and social auditing, and inconsistent obligations for companies of different sizes. It also notes the lack of a legal basis for trade union involvement, a conflict of interest in the Ministry of Human Rights holding both advisory and supervisory roles, and the absence of an academic or evidence-based foundation.

As Indonesia looks to develop a policy framework for Human Rights Due Diligence, it's important to note that the achievement of responsible business depends on the active participation of workers and their unions, ensuring that the country's economic development is grounded in respect for human rights and decent work.

David Williams, Project Manager of the ILO's RISSC Project

To close the gaps, the unions demand urgent improvements: a formal hearing with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, recognition of the Position Paper as an official reference on RBC and institutionalized trade union participation in BHR policy-making at all levels. They recommend mandatory HRDD for all companies, phased in by sectoral risk and supply chain exposure and backed by empirical evidence. Additional demands include clear sanctions and enforcement, stronger alignment with international standards and the creation of a Responsible Business Practices Forum - a tripartite, multi-stakeholder platform to oversee implementation and provide ongoing input.

"Through this joint Position Paper, we, as Indonesia's trade union confederations, send a strong collective message of our determination to ensure that responsible business conduct is firmly anchored in respect for workers' rights and decent work principles," concluded Eduard Parsaulian Marpaung, Deputy President of KSBSI.