Workplace accidents top 462,000 in Indonesia as UGM expert flags weak safety culture

Worker safety remains a pressing concern in Indonesia, with reported workplace accidents reaching 462,241 cases in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. 

An academic from Universitas Gadjah Mada has warned that the persistently high figure reflects deep-rooted gaps in the country’s occupational safety and health (OHS) culture.

The data show that formal sector employees accounted for 91.65% of incidents, followed by informal workers at 7.43% and construction service workers at 0.92%. The scale of the problem suggests that worker protection measures have yet to be fully optimized, even as industrial activity and productivity demands continue to rise.

Dr. Diki Bima Prasetio, an Occupational Health and Safety expert at UGM’s Vocational College, described the situation as a “serious warning” that systemic improvements are urgently needed. He stressed that OHS is not merely a compliance requirement but a critical foundation influencing employee trust, productivity, and national competitiveness.

“The most alarming impact is fatal accidents resulting in loss of life,” Prasetio said in an interview on Feb. 5. “Beyond that, workers may lose their jobs, companies may face operational disruptions, and the wider socio-economic burden could increase.”

Despite the existence of national OHS standards, Prasetio noted that public awareness and understanding of safety regulations remain weak. The core issue, he argued, is not regulatory absence but the failure of OHS culture to take root across workplaces.

Unsafe practices continue in the field, including the use of equipment that is no longer fit for operation and insufficient worker supervision. He also pointed to structural challenges, saying Indonesia’s OHS approach remains fragmented and oversight capacity is disproportionate to the vast number of workplaces.

To address gaps, the Ministry of Manpower has advanced digital OHS services through upgrades to the Teman K3 application and the launch of the Lapor Menaker reporting channel, integrating guidance, reporting, supervision, and accident data systems.

However, Prasetio cautioned that digitalisation alone will not solve the problem. “Data collection is not merely about digitalisation. Decision-making must be grounded in accurate data so prevention efforts are well targeted,” he said, adding that data quality still needs improvement.

He emphasised that stronger cross-sector collaboration will be critical, calling for closer coordination among businesses, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, professional bodies, universities, and regional governments to ensure OHS is implemented in practice rather than treated as a regulatory formality.

Looking ahead, Prasetio urged the government and stakeholders to prioritise promotive and preventive strategies, expand adoption of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), and strengthen risk mapping, worker training, and regular company evaluations.

He also called for greater support to certify OHS professionals and involve labour unions in reinforcing workplace safety governance.

“Implementing OHS is not merely a regulatory obligation, but a value that affirms every worker’s right to return home safely,” Prasetio said. “Productivity and safety must go hand in hand.”