TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Manpower Minister Yassierli has emphasized that the work environment must not only be physically safe but also capable of safeguarding the well-being and mental health of employees. He noted that this approach aligns with a global trend that identifies well-being as a basic necessity in the workplace.
“If humans are the center of occupational safety and health, then what needs protection is not only the physical self. Mental health is an inseparable part of real occupational safety and health,” Yassierli stated in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
He explained that prioritizing mental health is becoming increasingly vital due to significant psychosocial risks in the workplace, including excessive pressure, long working hours, environmental conflicts, and a lack of institutional support.
Data from the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2026 reveals that such conditions contribute to approximately 840,000 deaths annually worldwide, the loss of 12 billion productive workdays, and an economic drain equivalent to 1.37 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP).
In Indonesia, similar challenges persist. Basic Health Research data from the Ministry of Health in 2018 indicated that over 19 million workers experienced emotional mental disorders, while more than 12 million suffered from depression.
Workers in the informal sector, including laborers, drivers, and domestic workers, represent the most vulnerable group. Therefore, Yassierli stressed that mental health has now been integrated as a critical pillar of the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3).
He urged labor inspection officers to beef up their supervision of SMK3 implementation across companies. This oversight, he added, should transcend physical safety to encompass workloads, working hours, and the psychosocial conditions of the workforce.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Manpower is optimizing the role of six Occupational Health and Safety (K3) Centers across various regions. These hubs serve as centers for socialization, promotion, and SMK3 certification, as well as testing grounds to strengthen safety standards within the business sector.
Minister Yassierli also called on regional labor offices to expedite SMK3 implementation within companies and government agencies, specifically by increasing the number and capacity of K3 assessors.
“We want to ensure that every workplace is not only safe, but also healthy and comfortable for every worker,” Yassierli concluded.
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