Decent Work and Economic Growth: Advancing SDG No. 8 in Indonesia with Bureau Veritas' Support

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth is a critical pillar for any nation striving for inclusive and sustainable prosperity. For Indonesia, a country with over 270 million people, fostering decent work opportunities and driving economic growth go hand in hand in creating a more equitable and resilient society. In 2025, Bureau Veritas plays an instrumental role in supporting Indonesia's progress toward achieving this goal by helping businesses maintain safety, quality, and sustainability standards that ensure both workforce well-being and long-term economic stability.

Indonesia's Commitment to SDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Indonesia has made significant strides in its economic development in recent years, but key challenges remain in providing decent work opportunities and fostering inclusive growth. According to the World Bank, the country’s labor force participation rate was about 70.7% in 2024, but a significant portion of the workforce still faces informal employment with fewer social protections and lower wages. To address these issues, the government has introduced several initiatives and regulations to improve the quality of work and create better economic opportunities for its citizens.

Key Regulations Supporting Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Job Creation Law (Omnibus Law) - Law No. 11/2020
This landmark law remains central to Indonesia’s economic reform agenda. Its main objective is to simplify business regulations, stimulate investment, and create jobs. By easing the bureaucratic process for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the law aims to encourage formal employment, offer better social protection for workers, and foster a more dynamic job market. This aligns directly with SDG No. 8's goal of promoting decent and productive employment.

• Presidential Regulation No. 10/2021 on Investment
Focused on attracting both foreign and domestic investment, this regulation outlines incentives for businesses in key sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. Increased investment in these sectors has the potential to create high-quality jobs, contributing directly to SDG No. 8 by improving employment standards and economic growth.

• National Strategy for Green Economy
Indonesia’s focus on a green economy presents an opportunity to create a more sustainable job market. As part of its environmental commitments, Indonesia is increasing investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure, thus generating decent jobs while addressing climate challenges. Bureau Veritas supports companies in these sectors by ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards, thereby fostering sustainable employment.

Bureau Veritas’ Role in Supporting Decent Work and Economic Growth in Indonesia
Bureau Veritas is at the forefront of helping Indonesian businesses and organizations enhance their operations in ways that directly contribute to SDG No. 8. Through various services in quality assurance, safety, and sustainability, Bureau Veritas ensures that industries adopt best practices that prioritize the well-being of their workers and promote sustainable economic growth.

• Ensuring Workplace Safety and Compliance with Labor Standards
Workplace safety is a cornerstone of decent work. Bureau Veritas helps companies comply with Indonesian labor laws and international standards such as ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). By conducting regular audits and inspections, Bureau Veritas helps businesses identify and mitigate safety risks, ensuring that workers are not only employed but are also working in environments that protect their health and well-being.

For example, Bureau Veritas plays a crucial role in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and energy, where workplace safety is paramount. Regular safety audits and certifications help companies comply with government regulations, avoid costly accidents, and provide their workforce with the necessary protections, aligning with the goal of decent work.

• Promoting Inclusive Employment through Quality Assurance
A key element of decent work is fair wages and opportunities for career progression. Bureau Veritas supports Indonesian companies in achieving these objectives by helping them adopt ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems). By improving operational efficiency, companies are better positioned to generate higher wages, create more stable employment, and increase productivity. This directly contributes to economic growth while offering employees fair working conditions.

Additionally, Bureau Veritas works closely with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to Indonesia's economy. By providing these businesses with tools to improve operational standards and access global markets, Bureau Veritas helps create more employment opportunities, thereby addressing issues of unemployment and underemployment in the country.

• Facilitating Sustainable Growth through Energy and Environmental Certifications
Sustainable economic growth requires responsible resource management, and Bureau Veritas supports businesses by ensuring they comply with both environmental and safety standards. ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management) certifications are critical for companies aiming to operate sustainably while creating quality jobs.

In sectors such as renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing, Bureau Veritas helps companies transition to green practices by evaluating their energy consumption, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency. This not only helps the environment but also fosters the creation of green jobs in Indonesia, a country increasingly focused on clean energy and sustainability.

• Supporting Sector-Specific Economic Development
Bureau Veritas provides a wide range of specialized services for various industries, including construction, energy, and mining, which are key contributors to Indonesia’s economy. By offering technical expertise in inspections, audits, and certifications, Bureau Veritas helps these industries improve their productivity, reduce risks, and create safer and more efficient work environments.

These efforts support the creation of more stable, well-compensated jobs and contribute to broader economic growth. For example, the mining sector, which plays a significant role in Indonesia’s economy, benefits from Bureau Veritas' QA/QC and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) inspections, ensuring that the industry operates responsibly and creates safer, more sustainable job opportunities.

Quantitative Impact of Bureau Veritas’ Role in Decent Work and Economic Growth

Indonesia’s progress toward SDG No. 8 can be tracked with several key indicators:
• Unemployment Rate: According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the unemployment rate in 2024 dropped to 5.3%, reflecting the positive impact of policies and investments aimed at job creation.
• Investment Growth: In 2024, Indonesia attracted a total of USD 29.4 billion in foreign direct investment, contributing to job creation across various sectors, especially in manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Bureau Veritas’ role in certifying and ensuring compliance with international standards supports this growth.
• Formal Employment: As of 2024, 124 million Indonesians are employed in the formal sector, an increase of 2% from the previous year, reflecting the success of regulatory efforts and business growth in formal employment creation.

Conclusion

In 2025, Bureau Veritas continues to be a key enabler of Indonesia’s efforts to achieve Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG No. 8). By ensuring regulatory compliance, improving workplace safety, supporting sustainable practices, and assisting businesses in becoming more competitive, Bureau Veritas directly contributes to creating decent, productive jobs and promoting economic growth. As Indonesia progresses toward its economic goals, the role of quality assurance, safety, and sustainability will remain central to achieving long-term, inclusive prosperity for all.