Gender Inequality and Vulnerability of Older Workers in Indonesia’s Workforce

Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, has undergone rapid demographic changes and significant population aging at low level of per capita income. This demographic transition has led to an increase in the proportion of older people in the workforce, rising from 44.8% in 2010 to 53.9% in 2023. While this trend reflects resilience by maintaining older persons’ independence, it also highlights the vulnerabilities older workers face, particularly older women, who are more likely to work under poor working conditions.

According to the 2023 Indonesian Labor Survey, 81.1% of older women worked in poor working conditions, compared to 73.1% of older men, reflecting gender inequality in the workforce. I found in my fieldwork that cultural norms are likely to contribute to govern the experience of the inequality between older men and women by shaping labour divisions, access to opportunities and exposure to work-related risks and hazards. For example, in Yogyakarta’s agricultural sector, the physically demanding nature of the work often exposes older women to greater hazards of carrying a heavy load. While older men often use motorcycles or bikes to transport heavy loads, older women typically carry these loads manually over long distances on hilly and slippery pathways. Similarly, in North Sumatra’s manufacturing sector, particularly in weaving activities, older women often work long hours in monotonous, ergonomically challenging positions. In Yogyakarta’s tourism sector, older women often work as villa caretakers, performing tasks such as cleaning, laundering, and tidying up rooms—roles traditionally assigned to women, which frequently expose them to chemicals and require repetitive bending and lifting.

The absence of social protection in their work and high risk of hazards related to their work leaving older women highly vulnerable to injuries and health issues. The 2023 Social and Economic Survey reported that older women have higher prevalence rates of health issues than older men.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to raise awareness about occupational health and safety, develop specific labour standards for older workers, and implement ergonomic and safety training, especially for older women. Moreover, it is essential to address the cultural factors to reduce older women vulnerability.

Further readings:

Absor, M. U. (2021). Inequality in later life in rural Indonesia: Filling the gaps in meeting the needs of older persons. (PhD thesis) Australian National University, Canberra.

Torrido, A., Absor, M. U., & Umam, K. (2023). Perlindungan Kerja Bagi Pekerja Lanjut Usia di Daerah Pedesaan: Analisis Situasi dan Kebijakan di Provinsi Yogyakarta (Social Protection for Older Workers in Rural Areas: Situation Analysis and Policy in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province). Sosio Konsepsia: Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesejahteraan Sosial, 12(3)