President Prabowo’s Commitment to Eliminate Outsourcing Practices for Workers’ Fairness
By: Rangga Prasetya
President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to eliminate the outsourcing system should be supported as a real manifestation of the state’s commitment to guaranteeing basic workers’ rights. The decision is not just a political promise, but a strong signal about a new policy orientation that supports social justice and labor protection. In the context of sustainable economic development, fair treatment of workers is not a burden, but a solid foundation for inclusive growth.
Over the past two decades, the outsourcing system has become an issue that continues to draw criticism. Outsourcing, which was originally intended for operational efficiency, has instead become an instrument for reducing rights. Many outsourcing workers live in uncertainty, receive below-standard wages, and do not receive adequate social protection. This creates a gap of inequality that is contrary to the spirit of holistic human development.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli emphasized the government’s commitment to correct practices that have been proven to be detrimental to workers. President Prabowo’s commitment to evaluating the outsourcing system through the Ministry of Manpower and the Labor Welfare Council shows a systematic and inclusive approach. Good labor policies must be designed based on comprehensive analysis and participation of all stakeholders, including workers and trade union organizations.
On the other hand, labor organizations also welcomed the direction of this policy. The President of the All-Indonesian Trade Union Association (Aspirasi), Mirah Sumirat, firmly called outsourcing a form of modern slavery. This criticism is not excessive considering the reality on the ground, where outsourcing workers often receive wages far below those paid by the parent company. This difference becomes a gray area that is prone to manipulation, thus widening the gap of economic injustice.
Mirah emphasized that the elimination of the outsourcing system is not a utopian idea. On the contrary, the policy is very realistic and urgent for the sake of creating a humane employment system. This statement is in line with the constitutional principle that every citizen has the right to decent work and a living. In this context, the state must ensure that workers are not just cogs in production, but also human beings whose dignity and contribution are valued.
Support from parliament also strengthens the legitimacy of the direction of government policy. Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Edy Wuryanto, stated that the outsourcing system has long created deep injustice for workers. He considered that regulations such as Government Regulation Number 35 of 2021 actually weaken job protection and suppress workers’ wages. In other words, regulatory reform is a strategic step to eliminate exploitative loopholes in the employment system.
It is important to note that the elimination of outsourcing does not mean rejecting flexibility in the world of work. However, this flexibility must still prioritize the principles of protection and legal certainty. The business world can still carry out production functions efficiently without having to sacrifice the basic rights of workers. This is the time to build healthier, more transparent, and equal industrial relations between business actors and workers.
The transformation of employment policies will contribute positively to the quality of life of workers and national productivity. Workers who receive certainty of status and rights will work with higher enthusiasm, have stronger loyalty, and be able to contribute optimally to the growth of companies and the national economy. This is important capital for Indonesia to move further as an advanced industrial country with strong competitiveness.
The challenges in implementation are certainly not few. A structured transition process and intensive dialogue between the government, business world, and trade unions are needed. Equally important, supervision of employment practices must also be strengthened, both through firm legal instruments and complaint mechanisms that are easily accessible and followed up. The elimination of outsourcing must be accompanied by a scheme that ensures that there is no mass unemployment or weakening of the business climate. In addition, the role of the media and academics is very important in overseeing the transition to a more equitable employment system. The delivery of honest, balanced, and data-based information can create a healthy and constructive public space. Thus, every element of society will have a complete understanding of the urgency of eliminating outsourcing and its long-term contribution to social stability and national economic growth.
