PALMOILMAGAZINE, LUBUK SIKAPING — A total of 1,850 palm oil sector workers in Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra, are now officially covered by Indonesia’s BPJS Employment social security scheme. The enrollment, funded through the Palm Oil Revenue-Sharing Fund (DBH Sawit), marks a concrete step in extending social protection to informal sector workers.
Pasaman BPJS Employment Branch Head, Andry Fauzan, confirmed that administrative processes, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), have been completed. The program now awaits disbursement of DBH funds.
“All 1,850 palm oil workers in Pasaman are officially registered and will receive protection under two core BPJS Employment programs — Work Accident Insurance (JKK) and Death Benefit (JKM),” Andry said, as quoted by Antara on Sunday (August 3, 2025).
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He emphasized that this coverage is crucial to reducing social risks and preventing new cases of poverty. Beyond economic protection in the event of a workplace accident or death, participants’ families may also receive additional benefits such as educational scholarships for their children.
“If a worker experiences an accident or passes away, their family will receive proper compensation, and children may be eligible for scholarships up to university level,” he explained.
Andry also expressed hope that this initiative would inspire other sectors — including agriculture, fisheries, and MSMEs — to register their workers in the BPJS Employment program.
Meanwhile, Pasaman’s Head of Cooperatives, SMEs, Trade, and Manpower Office (Koperindagnaker), Fatrizon, confirmed the number of registered participants, noting that data collection began from the lowest administrative units, or jorong (hamlets).
“This figure is the result of gradual data collection and solid cooperation between local agencies and BPJS Employment,” Fatrizon said.
He added that Pasaman’s business sector continues to expand, so the number of protected workers is expected to grow. Regular coordination with BPJS Employment will ensure the continuity and expansion of this protection.
“We hope this DBH Sawit collaboration will keep progressing, with a clear goal: to provide optimal protection and improve the welfare of our workers,” he concluded. (P2)
