Global Unemployment to Reach 207 mn; Jokowi Offers 4 Policies
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23 February 2022 17:11 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo responded to the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) projection on the global unemployment rate which might reach 207 million in 2022, up by 21 million compared to 2019, while, the pace of health and economic recovery varies widely across countries.
According to the president, the condition was attributable to differences in vaccination rates and fiscal stimulus. Thus, he assessed that a human-centered recovery is necessary.
“It requires seriousness to carry out the Global Call to Action for Human-centred Recovery,” he said at the opening of the ILO Global Forum for Human-centred Recovery on Tuesday, February 22.
Quoted from the ILO's official website, the Global Call is a joint agreement between governments and labor delegations from 181 countries during the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2021.
The agreement includes three sets of actions: commitment to economic and social recovery; a call to prioritize the creation of decent jobs and address inequality; and developing complete agenda to support quality work, economic development, up to the worker and social protection.
The state head then offered four policies in order to achieve the global call. Firstly, create a safe work environment. “We must continue to accelerate vaccination for workers and their families, both in the formal and informal sectors,” he said.
Secondly, strengthen social protection for workers affected by the pandemic. Thirdly, work together to create new jobs. And lastly, strengthen the workers’ competitiveness in facing future world challenges. The President also emphasized the importance of re-skilling and up-skilling.
“Digital literacy education must be prioritized so that workers can survive in the midst of digital transformation,” Jokowi said, adding that Indonesia has a Pre-Employment Card program for job seekers and those who faced layoffs, “to acquire new skills or unlock entrepreneurial potential.”
Read: Indonesia to Focus on Extreme Poverty, Unemployment Issues in 2023 Program
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