Geneva, Switzerland, December 20, 2024 – The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed a landmark agreement today to provide critical support for the recovery phase of the ILO’s Emergency Response Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). This agreement highlights a joint commitment to addressing the urgent needs of affected communities in the region.
Indonesia’s active role in this project is a reflection of its broader commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. As the world faces a growing number of humanitarian crises, Indonesia remains a key player in global peace and development initiatives. The ILO’s collaboration with Indonesia represents a model for how countries can work together to address complex crises, promote sustainable development, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Through this partnership, Indonesia will provide a grant of IDR 8.15 billion (USD 500,000) to support emergency employment initiatives aimed at delivering essential services and generating jobs in Gaza and the West Bank. The program will focus on employment-intensive investment programs, including solid waste management, infrastructure repair, and paramedic care, to aid recovery and restore livelihoods.
In addition through this initiative, the ILO will scale up efforts to create temporary, decent jobs for Palestinians, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as women and youth. By offering work opportunities in key sectors such as waste management and public health, the project aims to not only address urgent humanitarian needs but also promote local economic growth, social protection, and the restoration of essential services.
Peter Van Rooij, Director of Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation at the ILO, remarked, “This partnership marks a significant step towards rebuilding livelihoods and restoring critical services in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We are grateful for Indonesia’s generosity and commitment to this cause. As an emerging partner from the Global South this contribution is grandly appreciated.
The collaboration encompasses key components:
- Employment-Intensive Investment Programs (EIIP): Providing short-term, decent jobs while addressing immediate needs for infrastructure repair and public services.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Training: Equipping workers in solid waste management and paramedic care with essential skills to perform their roles safely and effectively.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening national stakeholders’ ability to lead recovery initiatives and ensuring long-term sustainability.
This initiative aligns with the Decent Work Country Programme for Palestine and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, reinforcing both parties’ dedication to sustainable development and decent work principles.
The agreement is also a crucial element of the ILO’s three-phased Emergency Response Plan for Palestine, which focuses on relief, review, and recovery. By combining resources and expertise, this partnership aims to provide immediate support to affected populations while building resilience and stability for the future.
Indonesia’s contribution reflects its growing role in international development cooperation and its belief in the importance of a coordinated global response to crises.