All stakeholders must participate actively (in developing the programs) to create a quality, just, and prosperous future generations.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Manpower Ministry has encouraged to put an end to child labor in palm oil plantations to realize a child labor-free Indonesia.

Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah noted in her virtual remarks on Tuesday that the industry involved several business actors from various economic groups.

"Palm oil is a prominent export commodity, so it has high risk of child labor involvement," she noted at the inauguration of the 2023 child labor-free palm oil plantation program.

Quoting the data of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in 2021, she noted that 1.05 million child workers were employed in several economic sectors, including 27.63 percent in agriculture, 57.51 percent in service, and 14.86 percent in industry.

"Thus, it requires a joint commitment from the government and all stakeholders to overcome the issue," the minister remarked.

Fauziyah noted that the child labor-free program would be implemented in 100 thousand hectares of palm oil plantations in 16 provinces in 2023.

Since realizing a child labor-free program requires unwavering efforts from various stakeholders, including the government and trade unions, she ensured that the issue would be addressed in a careful and integrated manner by highlighting the best interests of the child.

“Hence, it is important to bolster collaboration among stakeholders to realize a Child Labor-Free Indonesia," Fauziyah emphasized.

Commemorating World Day Against Child Labor observed every June 12, the minister invited all parties to develop strategic programs to expedite the elimination of child labor.

"All stakeholders must participate actively (in developing the programs) to create quality, just, and prosperous future generations,” she added.

Earlier, Chairperson of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Ai Maryanti Solihah drew attention to the quite high number of child exploitation cases for labor work.

Solihah remarked that the cases of child labor are quite common, as the cost of employing children is lower than that for adult workers, and they are easier to manage.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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