Indonesia records over 5,600 workplace accidents in three months

Official acknowledges gap between regulations and ground-level compliance

JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) – Indonesia recorded more than 5,600 workplace accidents in the first quarter of 2025, with the majority occurring in the construction, manufacturing, and mining sectors, reports Indonesia Business Post. 

“We classify some of these incidents not as ordinary accidents, but as industrial disasters,” said Muchammad Yusuf, Director of Occupational Safety and Health Testing Development at the Ministry of Manpower, while addressing the Indonesia ESG Forum 2025 in Jakarta.

Yusuf said the government has established a comprehensive regulatory framework covering labor, occupational safety, and social security.

He acknowledged a major gap between regulations and ground-level compliance. “Regulations alone are not enough. Compliance remains our biggest challenge,” he said. 

“Law enforcement must be accompanied by both hard and soft approaches.”

The ministry has also introduced various technical regulations − from pressure vessel safety to fire protection and hazardous materials − alongside comprehensive social security programs, including accident insurance, old-age benefits, pensions, job loss compensation, and universal healthcare.

To address the root causes of safety issues in the nickel industry supply chain, the ministry plans to conduct safety culture assessments, not just within companies, but in surrounding communities as well. 

“We must also engage the local workforce − many of whom have transitioned from farming or fishing to mining without proper safety training,” Yusuf said.