The Function of the Indonesian National Police’s (Polri) Labour Desk as an Assistant to Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) in Public Law Enforcement in the Employment Sector

Abstract

Indonesia's national development prioritizes employment as a crucial aspect in achieving the welfare of its people. Labour law in Indonesia has a dual character, namely as a civil relationship and public law. The state plays an active role in protecting workers' rights through imperative regulations and consistent law enforcement. Despite ongoing updates to labour regulations, enforcement still faces challenges, including complex bureaucracy, limited numbers and distribution of labour inspectors, and low legal literacy among workers. Data shows an increase in the labour force and unemployment, necessitating more effective state regulation and oversight of labour matters. This study uses a normative legal method with a systematic analysis of written legal norms, such as the Labour Law, to examine the consistency and synchronisation of legal norms in public labour law enforcement and to identify fair legal principles as the basis for the formation of national norms. The results of the study show significant obstacles in public law enforcement, particularly related to the authority and effectiveness of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS) for Labour. The main obstacles include institutional weaknesses, institutional subordination, limited investigative authority, and a lack of competence and human resources. The limited number of labour inspectors and their uneven distribution exacerbate the effectiveness of supervision. The role of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is important in investigating labour crimes, supported by the establishment of a Labour Desk as a special unit. However, this Desk requires a clear legal basis to have legal standing. Synergy among institutions and enhanced capacity of law enforcement officials are essential to ensure effective protection of workers' rights and social justice. Strengthening the Polri Labour Desk and improving the ratio and distribution of inspectors by international standards are also crucial for fostering harmonious industrial relations for the welfare of society.