A high-level delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Mr. R P A Wimalaweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, has embarked on a four-day study mission to Indonesia to gain valuable insights into the country’s robust social security system. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Hon Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment in Sri Lanka, seeks to deepen Sri Lanka’s understanding of Indonesia’s Unemployment Insurance program administered through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, the Indonesian Social Security Agency.
Organized in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia, this transformative visit has received generous support from the Japanese government. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment is currently in the midst of ambitious labor reforms and progressive initiatives, with a keen focus on key areas such as unemployment insurance, maternity benefits, workplace injuries, and health.
Mr. Wimalaweera and the Sri Lankan delegation had the privilege of a brief meeting with Mr. Anggoro Eko Cahyo, President and Director of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, on a day of particular significance. Today also marks the customer day of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, during which directors actively engage in customer service, tending to the needs of members and beneficiaries at various service stations.
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, previously known as BPJS Jamsostek, has evolved into a public legal entity specializing in social security programs. These comprehensive programs encompass Employment Injury Security, Death Security, Old Age Security, Unemployment Security, and Pension Security, ensuring that Indonesian workers are provided with a safety net throughout their careers and beyond.
The Sri Lankan delegation includes officials from the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, the Commissioner General of Labour, representatives from various trade unions, and members of the Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC). This collaborative visit serves as a platform to strengthen bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and best practices in labor and social security.
As Sri Lanka embarks on its journey of labor reform and social security enhancement, this visit to Indonesia promises to be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of social protection for Sri Lankan workers. With the support of international organizations and the eagerness to learn from Indonesia’s successful model, Sri Lanka is poised to take significant strides towards securing the welfare of its workforce.
The knowledge-sharing and collaboration between these two nations hold the potential to create a brighter, more secure future for workers in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia, setting an inspiring example for the rest of the world in the field of social security and labor welfare.
