Bursa, Turki (ANTARA) - Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has urged labor union leaders and members to hold at least one competency or skill certificate to improve workforce productivity.
In a statement on Monday, Yassierli said the push for certification is part of efforts to improve the quality and productivity of Indonesia’s workforce.
“Colleagues in trade unions must become champions within companies. They should have at least one skill certificate and may choose to become a Productivity Expert, an Occupational Health and Safety (K3) Expert, or an Industrial Relations Expert,” he said.
Yassierli emphasized that strengthening unions is not enough by only focusing on welfare advocacy; it also requires measurable competencies that can be directly applied in the workplace.
Competency certificates, he added, are intended to help unions actively support company performance, enhance workplace safety, and foster healthier industrial relations.
“When these competencies exist, the contribution of unions becomes more tangible, allowing them to address workplace issues with a more professional approach,” he said.
He added that certification schemes for Productivity Experts and K3 Experts are already available, while a scheme for Industrial Relations Experts is expected to launch in mid-2026, Yassierli added.
“At a minimum, union members should hold at least one certificate to demonstrate their capability. With a certificate, members can serve as resource persons, instructors, consultants, and assist companies across Indonesia,” Yassierli said.
In addition, the minister called for stronger collaboration among the unions with the government, businessmen, and employers to drive national productivity transformation.
This collaboration, he added, is essential to address the challenges of the workforce while building a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable labor ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Jumhur Hidayat, Chairman of the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers’ Unions (KSPSI), reiterated his group’s commitment to advocating for worker welfare while supporting national economic growth.
He also stressed the importance of internal consolidation to meet labor sector challenges.
