Indonesia and China Strengthening Labour Cooperation

Indonesia and China recently pledged stronger labour cooperation to strengthen the two nations’ bilateral relationship. Last month, on the 3rd of July 2024, the Indonesian Minister of Manpower, Ida Fauziyah, and Chinese Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, Wang Xiaoping held a meeting in Beijing to discuss the matter. Building upon the healthy partnership of the major powerhouses, they explored the possibility of expanding their existing collaboration.

More Projects To Come On The Labour Market

Following the meeting, Ida Fauziyah emphasised the importance of this partnership. She stated “Indonesia and China have already established strong cooperation in various sectors. This visit aims to specifically focus on strengthening our labour cooperation.” The key points brought up during the meeting include the development of a Labour Market Information System (LMIS), vocational training, and enhancing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards. The two leaders have also discussed improving Indonesia’s National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) and entrepreneurship development benefits.

When discussing the subject of vocational training, the Minister of Manpower also added that Indonesia and China are going into several collaborative initiatives. One such project is building the Vocational and Productivity Training Center (BPVP) Ternate in Sofifi, west coast of the Indonesian island of Halmahera. The BPVP Ternate will be established by a grant given by the Chinese government. Not only that, the two countries are collaborating on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs via partnerships with entities like the China International Intellectech Group Co., Ltd. (CIIC Group) as well.

Minister Optimistic for the Indonesia-China Labour Ties

Minister Fauziyah has expressed her optimism about the future of Indonesia-China labour cooperation. She stated, “We hope that this exploratory visit will provide valuable insights and benefits for building stronger labour relations between our two countries.” By enhancing cooperation in areas such as vocational training and OSH standards, both countries can improve their workforce skills and create safer working environments.

Furthermore, the development of the LMIS will provide valuable data and insights for policymakers to make informed decisions regarding labour market policies in the future. As Indonesia and China continue to deepen their economic relationship, strengthening labour cooperation is a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable and equitable development for both nations.