Millions of Informal Workers Unprotected, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Pushes
Indonesia's social security agency, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, is working to expand coverage for the country's 87.74 million informal workers. The agency is utilizing premium subsidies and government support to encourage self-employed individuals to join the social safety net.
Why it matters
Expanding social security to the informal sector is a critical economic challenge for Indonesia, as it affects the financial stability of the majority of the working population.
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan is accelerating social security coverage for millions of informal workers in Indonesia through premium subsidies and regional government support.
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan officers conduct social security program outreach to informal workers. Traders, online motorcycle taxi drivers, farmers, fishermen, and self-employed workers are among the Non-Wage Earner groups eligible for BPJS Ketenagakerjaan programs. JAKARTA, Aktualita.co — Social security protection for informal workers remains a major challenge in Indonesia. Amidst the continuously growing number of informal workers, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan is pushing for expanded participation for self-employed groups, ranging from street vendors, online motorcycle taxi drivers, farmers, and fishermen to freelancers and small business owners.
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the number of informal workers in Indonesia reached 87.74 million people in February 2026 , an increase from 86.58 million in February 2025. This figure accounts for approximately 59 percent of the total working population.
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