The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI)-ASEAN Trade Union Confederation (ATUC), is supporting Indonesian workers in preparing for retirement through entrepreneurship training. Many workers face uncertainty about their financial security as they approach retirement, with savings or social protection schemes often insufficient to ensure a stable post-employment life. Without proper planning, retirement can lead to financial dependence and a loss of purpose, highlighting the importance of proactive preparation.
To address this, the ILO’s Promoting SME Enterprises through Improved Entrepreneurs’ Access to Financial Services (Promise II Impact) delivered two batches of entrepreneurial training in May and September 2025 for trade union members nearing retirement. Using the ILO’s Start Your Business (SYB) module, the five-day Training of Beneficiaries (ToB) aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of entrepreneurship, enhance skills in developing business ideas and plans, and support a mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur. A total of 50 KSPSI-ATUC members from four federations—Chemical, Energy and Mining; Textile, Garment and Leather; Metal, Electronics and Machinery; and Tobacco, Food and Beverage—benefited from the training, which was facilitated by an ILO master trainer alongside a KSPSI-ATUC trainer experienced in SYB training.
In addition to skill-building, the programme included financial support and franchise opportunities for the top participants from the initial training batch to help them start their own businesses. These participants later shared their experiences and best practices with members of the second training group. The initiative addresses gaps left by smaller companies that often cannot provide retirement preparation programmes, underscoring the vital role of trade unions in equipping members for life beyond employment.
The training guided participants in developing comprehensive business plans, including product creation and sales strategies, financial projections, necessary equipment, and official business registration. By the end of the programme, participants had created viable business ideas and gained confidence and hope about their post-retirement futures. According to Djauhari Sitorus, ILO Project Manager for Promise II Impact, promoting long-term savings and investment not only enhances financial security but also improves productivity and strengthens the overall quality of the labour force.
Beyond individual empowerment, the SYB training contributes to broader societal and institutional benefits. Union members who establish businesses are more likely to uphold Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) and set examples for fair labour practices in their communities. Abdul Hakim, ILO Programme Officer, emphasized that entrepreneurial union members can inspire younger workers to engage with trade unions, fostering a business environment rooted in compliance, integrity, and sustainable development.
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