Indonesia and the ILO: 75 Years of Collaboration

JAKARTA, BANTEN, WEST JAVA AND NORTH KALIMANTAN, Indonesia (ILO News) - This year marks the 75th anniversary of Indonesia's membership in the International Labour Organization (ILO), a partnership established on 12 June 1950 that has played a pivotal role in advancing labour standards and social justice through the ILO's tripartite collaboration with government, employers and workers. To commemorate this milestone, tripartite partners have organized a series of events highlighting Indonesia's ongoing commitment to promoting decent and productive employment for all.

Showcasing inclusivity, a Batik design by ILO partner YPAS in Indonesia placed 9th among the top ten finalists in a Batik Design Competition. 8/2025

To commemorate 75 years of Indonesia's membership in the ILO, the Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo), in collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy and the ILO, organized a Batik Design Competition for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Held from April to August 2025, the competition attracted hundreds of participants, who submitted entries, delivered presentations and advanced through multiple rounds of selection.

The judging panel comprised representatives from the Ministry of Creative Economy, Apindo, and the ILO ensuring a fair and inclusive process. Highlighting the spirit of inclusivity, one of the ILO's partners, the Special Child Care Foundation (YPAS), proudly secured 9th place among the top ten finalists, showcasing the creativity and resilience of diverse communities in Indonesia's creative economy.

YPAS supports children with learning difficulties such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia and Dysgraphia known as hidden disabilities.

A special commemoration to mark Indonesia's 75th anniversary of membership in the ILO by the Trade Union Federation for Food, Beverage, Tourism, Restaurant, Hotel, and Tobacco (FSB KAMIPARHO). 7/2025

In conjunction with its 7th National Congress, the Trade Union Federation for Food, Beverage, Tourism, Restaurant, Hotel, and Tobacco (FSB KAMIPARHO), under the Confederation of All Indonesia Labour Unions (KSBI), organized a special commemoration to mark Indonesia's 75th anniversary of membership in the ILO. The event, held in Bandung, West Java in July 2025, highlighted the nation's enduring commitment to upholding international labour standards and fostering solidarity among workers. Led by FSB KAMIPARHO Chair Supardi, the commemoration also brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Indonesia Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), reflecting the broad support for advancing workers' rights across diverse sectors.

A commemoration of Indonesia's 75 years of ILO membership by KSPSI-ATUC in collaboration with Apindo. 8/2025

The Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI)-ASEAN Trade Union Confederation (ATUC), in collaboration with Apindo, organized a commemoration of Indonesia's 75 years of membership in the ILO in August 2025. The event, held at PT Adis Dimension Footwear in Tangerang, was highlighted by a candle-lighting ceremony and the cutting of a 75th anniversary cake adorned with the ILO logo. Andi Gani Nena Wea, President of KSPSI-ATUC, praised the partnership with the ILO as a collaboration that benefits not only workers but also employers and government, while also acknowledging the ILO's continued support for the labour movement.

The commemoration concluded with a factory tour, where the ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste observed the company's worker facilities firsthand. The visit highlighted initiatives aimed at improving employee welfare, including an in-house supermarket that offers affordable daily necessities as well as credit schemes for transportation. Additional facilities, such as access to financial services, further demonstrated how collaboration between employers, unions, and the ILO can deliver tangible benefits that enhance the quality of life for the workforce.

The launch of the Joint Inspection Team for Labour Norms on Fishing Vessels in North Kalimantan also commemorated the 75th anniversary of Indonesia's membership in the ILO. 9/2025

In a significant step toward strengthening labour conditions in Indonesia's fishing sector, the Provincial Government of North Kalimantan, with support from the ILO's Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy Programme, officially launched its Joint Inspection Team for Labour Norms on Fishing Vessels on 9 September 2025 in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan.

The launch also marked the 75th anniversary of Indonesia's membership in the ILO, underscoring the nation's long-standing commitment to advancing decent work. This milestone builds on Indonesia's ongoing efforts to reform labour inspection in the fishing industry, ensuring safer and fairer working environments for fishers.

The commemoration was marked by the traditional tumpeng cutting ceremony, a gesture symbolizing the enduring partnership between Indonesia and the ILO in advancing decent work and sustainable practices within the blue economy. North Kalimantan Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang commended the ILO's continuous support in ensuring fair and safe working conditions, while fostering the growth and modernization of the province's fishing industry.

In collaboration with the Provincial Government of Jakarta and the UN Information Centre (UNIC), the ILO conducted a public campaign on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to commemorate 75 years of Indonesia's membership in the ILO. 9/2025

In collaboration with the Provincial Government of Jakarta and the UN Information Centre (UNIC), the ILO conveyed its message on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to commemorate 75 years of Indonesia's membership in the ILO. The message covered issues on working hours, freedom of association, occupational safety and health (OSH), decent wages and paid leave.

The message was publicly displayed and screened across various areas of Jakarta for one month, from mid-August to mid-September 2025, through 16 videotron spots and 245 TransJakarta shelters. It received a wide range of responses from viewers across the city. Some applauded its significance for workers, particularly young people just entering the workforce, while others called on relevant stakeholders to reinforce their commitment to ensuring compliance with labour laws and upholding respect for labour rights at work.