Social dialogue as catalyst for change in Indonesia

Finding a Voice: Hanane’s Experience in Indonesia

It was a first for Hanane Chikhi. For the first time, she travelled to Indonesia as a union executive to facilitate a training. What were her impressions?

“What struck me most was how large the gap still is between employers and their employees. In my sectors — Ports and Public Transport — I am used to people speaking out, sometimes loudly and without restraint, when they disagree. The union is an established actor there. Workers know how to participate and advocate for themselves. In Indonesia, this is clearly different.”

“During the training, I noticed that many workers are still reluctant to raise concerns or ask critical questions of management. This reluctance comes from a combination of fear and a lack of experience with structured dialogue. At the same time, the desire to be heard is very real. Workers want better conditions, more security and fair treatment, but often do not know where or how to begin.”

“It made me realise how important it is to invest in basic skills such as negotiating, communicating and building trust. The training offered a first, safe space to practise dialogue on an equal footing. For many participants, it was literally the first time they spoke directly with management representatives about shared workplace issues. That first step, however small, is essential.”

“As a union executive, it was both inspiring and confronting to see how much potential there is, but also how many steps are still needed to achieve genuine trade union freedom and structural dialogue. I hope this training helped participants take that first step. Especially where trade union freedom is under pressure, even a small step can make a significant difference.”