Social Security Action Committee

After a more than year-long bitter struggle, the Indonesian labour movement won the fight to reform the social security system, under the banner of the Social Security Action Committee (KAJS).

INDONESIA: October 28 will be engraved into the history of the Indonesian labour movement as a victorious day in the fight to protect Indonesian workers and grant them social security. On the late evening of this day the Indonesian House of Representatives finally passed the Social Security Provider Bill into law, allowing for full health and job protection for all citizens.

Two social security providers (BPJS) will be created. They will start operation in 2014. BJPS I will directly manage health care for all people in Indonesia. The responsibilities and activities of the existing social insurance company Jamsostek Ltd will be transferred to the new organization. BPJS II will manage occupational accidents, deaths, and old age pension in the formal sector beginning on January 1, 2014.


The journey leading to this hard fought victory was riddled with obstacles, challenges and at time uncertainty. Mass demonstrations by workers unseen of in the days of the Suharto regime proved that when workers make up their minds nothing can stop them from fighting for their rights. Despite all impediments, the gallant leadership of KAJS never once retreated.

Said Iqbal, President of KAJS and IMF affiliate Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (FSPMI) thanked the IMF for its support during this struggle. He said that the timely support gave his committee members the courage and confidence to move forward and win the battle. He stressed the need to monitor the implementation of this law that would benefit the people and workers in Indonesia.

The day the bill was debated in the House of Representatives thousands of workers gathered and camped outside the Parliament. When news broke out that the house had passed the bill into law, thunderous applause and screams of "HIDUP BURUH" greeted this historic victory.

IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina, in congratulating the FSPMI and Lomenik for this victorious struggle to protect Indonesian workers under social security said that it was mobilization of workers under the KAJS that won the fight. He stressed that People's power and determination demonstrated by Indonesian workers is a source of inspiration for workers all over the world. He also assured IMF's support in ensuring the implementation of this law in 2014

P. Arunasalam

Posted in: Social Security