Building a national trade union engagement approach to the 2030 Agenda in Indonesia

A workshop aimed at strengthening trade union involvement in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia was held on 10-11/11/2017 in Jakarta. Organised by the ILO Jakarta Office, the two-day event raised awareness of the 2030 Agenda among trade union leaders. Participants notably reviewed Indonesia’s policy for the implementation of SDGs and developed a follow-up plan to strengthen the role of trade unions in the implementation and monitoring of progress towards SDGs. A specific focus was placed on the targets related to the Decent Work Agenda in SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

By Wawan Erfianto (KSPI/CITU)

A workshop aimed at strengthening trade union involvement in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia was held on 10-11/11/2017 in Jakarta. Organised by the ILO Jakarta Office, the two-day event raised awareness of the 2030 Agenda among trade union leaders. Participants notably reviewed Indonesia’s policy for the implementation of SDGs and developed a follow-up plan to strengthen the role of trade unions in the implementation and monitoring of progress towards SDGs. A specific focus was placed on the targets related to the Decent Work Agenda in SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

This meeting not only involved representatives of major trade unions but also representatives from the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) - the main body coordinating Indonesia’s action plan on the implementation of the SDGs. The event was attended by representatives of trade unions from four major confederations of Indonesia, including ITUC/ITUC AP affiliates Confederation of Indonesian Trade Union (CITU/KSPI) and Indonesian Prosperity Trade Union Confederation (KSBSI).

The workshop notably featured the participation of ILO Geneva, ILO ACTRAV (Bangkok), ILO Jakarta, ITUC Asia-Pacific. Framing the discussion within current trends, participants were provided a general introduction to the 2030 Agenda, its goals (the SDGs), targets and indicators. Presentations by the ILO detailed its relation to the Decent Work Agenda as well as the role of trade unions. With a focus on SDGs 1, 5, 8, 10 and 16, targets and indicators of key relevance to trade unions were discussed.

Further framing these issues within the Indonesian context, the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) provided an overview of the national strategy on the 2030 Agenda and on the implementation of the SDGs. ITUC AP representatives then gave an overview of the Strategy on the 2030 Agenda developed by the Trade Union Development Cooperation Network and shared the tools being developed in this context.

Trade union participants held a group discussion on the situation of the country with a focus on the challenges facing Indonesian unions. The discussion covered the state of tripartism and social dialogue, the involvement of trade unions in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the national strategy on the 2030 Agenda. Among the trade union priorities and strategies for the 2030 Agenda discussed, monitoring and reporting of national progress towards the SDGs was highlighted. Indonesian trade unions agreed to undertake joint actions on key priorities, identify areas for trade union capacity building and identify strategic partners.

This workshop helped to strengthen the capacity of trade unions to participate and influence the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda in Indonesia. Trade unions will reinforce their advocacy efforts for the permanent inclusion of the Decent Work Agenda as a national priority for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and that adequate resources be allocated to this end.

KSPI/CITU has aligned its priority activities with the SDGs, an overview of which can be seen here.

More information: