Apindo's Global Policy Is Adaptive And Supports The Digital Economy

Apindo's Global Policy Is Adaptive And Supports The Digital Economy

Wednesday, 02 Jul 2025

The Indonesian Employers' Association (APINDO) revealed the importance of adaptive, realistic global policies that support the digital economy ecosystem at the 113th International Labor Conference (ILC) at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. APINDO was present as part of the Indonesian tripartite delegation together with the government and trade unions.

This year, the ILO Standard-Setting Committee began its first discussion on 'Decent Work in the Platform-Based Economy'.

All tripartite parties agreed on the importance of comprehensive protection for workers and the sustainability of the platform ecosystem, including MSMEs. Therefore, a principle-based approach was agreed upon so that the resulting instrument would be flexible and could be adjusted to the national context of each country.

Although it was finally decided that the instrument to be drafted would be in the form of a Convention, discussions on the substance only covered around 15% and had not yet produced a final agreement. This shows the complexity of the issue and the need for caution so that the instrument does not hinder the growth of the digital economy and still respects the legal and employment systems in each country.

During the two weeks of discussion, it was agreed that the definition of platform workers includes service providers on the platform either as workers in an employment relationship, those who are self-employed, or other special categories, depending on the national context of each country.

The scope of the platforms discussed is also broad, not only location-based such as transportation and delivery, but also online-based digital platforms such as telehealth, digital tourism, edutech, freelancers, to creative work.

"The main points in the draft instrument for the upcoming discussion. First, regulations must respect the differences in labor status in various legal forms and not equate the rights and obligations of workers in employment relationships with those who are self-employed," said the Spokesperson for the International Employers Group from the United States, Ewa Staworzynska, in a press statement, Sunday, June 29, 2025.

She explained that for the second, the provisions for occupational safety and health (K3) need to be adjusted to the needs of the flexibility of the workforce working on various platforms simultaneously. Third, all workers must be guaranteed access to social security through schemes that are in accordance with the status of the workforce in various legal forms and national contexts.

Finally, regulations must be able to encourage the growth of the platform ecosystem, including MSMEs and entrepreneurs, without excessively limiting innovation, for example through supervision of the implementation of platform algorithms that are too strict.

"This first year's discussion proves the importance of social dialogue. The ILO must remain a reference institution, not a legislative space that imposes national or regional agendas," said Ewa. According to her, APINDO fully supports these principles, and is committed to fighting for global instruments that are adaptive, inclusive, and encourage economic growth, including the digital economy, without burdening business actors.

news