On June 3, 2025, the Indonesian Federation of SERBUK (People’s Labor Union Federation) collaborated with the Social Welfare Study Program of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta to organize a guest lecture entitled “Social Protection for the Precarious Workers: Lessons from the Philippines.” Held at the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, the event featured Emir Tumanon, a labor union leader and workers’ rights advocate from the Philippines, and Husain Maulana, Secretary General of SERBUK Indonesia. This guest lecture served as an important platform to introduce the role of labor unions in promoting social protection, social justice, and workers’ welfare, particularly for migrant workers.
The discussion highlighted the various challenges faced by precarious workers and emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing workers’ rights and social protection. Drawing from the Philippine experience, Emir and Husain explained how labor unions can serve as platforms for workers to organize, voice their concerns, and gain access to different forms of social protection.
Their
presentation demonstrated that labor unions are not solely concerned with wages
and working conditions but also with broader issues such as human dignity,
social inclusion, and empowerment.
One of the key
themes discussed during the lecture was the concept of the Four Dimensions
of Poverty, which offers a more comprehensive perspective on understanding
poverty. According to this framework, poverty consists of four interconnected
dimensions:
- Resources – including both material and non-material assets such as housing,
education, healthcare, skills, and access to technology.
- Opportunity and Choice – referring to an individual’s ability to
utilize available resources and opportunities to improve their quality of
life.
- Power and Voice – emphasizing participation in decision-making processes and the ability
to advocate for one’s rights.
- Human Security – encompassing protection from violence, discrimination, exploitation, and other forms of social vulnerability.
This multidimensional perspective challenges the common assumption that poverty can be solved solely through increased income. Emir emphasized that individuals may continue to experience poverty even when their economic conditions improve if they lack access to decision-making processes, social protection, or equal opportunities. For precarious workers, particularly migrant workers, these challenges are often compounded by legal, social, and cultural barriers in their countries of employment.
Another important topic discussed was the significance of fair decision-making processes within organizations and society. Transparency, participation, and accountability were identified as key principles in building trust and solidarity among workers. Furthermore, Emir introduced the concept of psychosocial awareness, which emphasizes understanding the emotional and social conditions experienced by workers. According to him, organizations that prioritize inclusivity and the well-being of their members are better equipped to foster sustainable collective action and positive social change.
Joint Reflection from Student Interns
One of the
most impactful lessons from this lecture was the discussion of the relationship
between income and empowerment. We learned that increasing income does not
automatically eliminate poverty if workers remain excluded from decision-making
processes or lack adequate legal and social protection. This understanding
reinforced the importance of the “Power and Voice” dimension,
particularly for vulnerable workers who often face limited representation and
various forms of oppression from employers and state institutions.
We were also inspired by Emir and Husain’s emphasis on solidarity and collective action. Their experiences demonstrated that meaningful social change is more often achieved through cooperation than through individual efforts alone. Therefore, labor unions play a crucial role not only in protecting workers’ rights but also in fostering a sense of community, participation, and social responsibility. As students, we can contribute by raising awareness about labor issues, supporting vulnerable groups, and advocating for policies that promote social justice and equality.
In addition,
the Philippine experience offers valuable lessons for Indonesia. As one of the
world’s largest sending countries of migrant workers, Indonesia continues to
face significant challenges related to labor protection, access to social services,
and the fulfillment of workers’ rights. The strategies and experiences shared
during this lecture highlighted the importance of collaboration among
governments, labor organizations, educational institutions, and civil society
in building effective and sustainable social protection systems.
Conclusion: The Importance of Solidarity and Collective Action
Overall, the guest lecture was both informative
and inspiring. It broadened our understanding of the realities faced by
precarious workers and reinforced the vital role of labor unions in addressing
multidimensional poverty and social inequality. The lessons drawn from the
Philippine experience demonstrated that inclusive social protection systems
must ensure access to resources, opportunities, participation, and security for
all workers.
As students, we gained a greater appreciation for the importance of collective action and social solidarity in creating a more just and equitable society. The collaboration between Federasi SERBUK Indonesia, ABC Union Philippines, and Social Welfare Study Program, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta reflects a shared commitment to promoting critical discussions on workers’ rights, social protection, and social justice among university students. Activities such as this are essential for raising awareness and encouraging younger generations to become more concerned with issues affecting workers and marginalized communities.
Through
academic dialogue and knowledge exchange, students are encouraged to develop a
deeper understanding of contemporary labor issues and their social
implications. This collaboration also serves as an important bridge between
academic perspectives and real-life grassroots experiences, enabling students
to play an active role in promoting social change and advocating for a more
inclusive and equitable society.
The event not
only deepened our understanding of issues affecting precarious workers but also
encouraged us to reflect on the importance of advocacy, participation, and
collective responsibility. From this experience, we realized that social
protection is not merely a policy issue but a fundamental component of human
rights and social justice. Therefore, strengthening workers’ organizations and
increasing awareness among younger generations are essential steps toward
creating a society in which every worker can live and work with dignity,
security, and equal opportunities.
Amid the
ongoing forces of globalization that continue to reshape labor relations and
employment patterns around the world, the need for stronger protection
mechanisms and better worker representation has become increasingly important.
The insights shared during this lecture demonstrated that sustainable social
development can only be achieved when workers are empowered, their rights are
respected, and their voices are included in decision-making processes.
Ultimately,
the lessons from the Philippines provide valuable inspiration for Indonesia and
other countries seeking to develop more inclusive, democratic, and
worker-centered social protection systems.
This event
reaffirmed that achieving social justice requires collaboration among
governments, labor organizations, educational institutions, and civil society.
As students, we are encouraged to continue learning about labor issues and to
contribute, within our capacities, to efforts aimed at strengthening social
protection and promoting workers’ rights. Through activities such as this,
young people can play a significant role in building a more just, inclusive,
and humane society for future generations.
Prepared by:
Student Internship Team
International Relations Study Program
Universitas Amikom Yogyakarta
- Lindi (Yosefina L. Mandeta)
- Titus (Titus Pardede)
- Vale (Valeta Regina)