Start ‘em young: Indonesian and Finnish unions introduce labour rights to students

The BWI-affiliated SERBUK on 17–20 November 2024 hosted a delegation from SASK and the Finnish Industrial Union (FIU) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Finnish representatives included Tarja Loppi, an international affairs specialist at FIU, and Paavo Niskanen, FIU chief shop steward and SASK Ambassador. The visit featured discussions, meetings, and exchanges of experiences between trade union representatives from Finland and Indonesia. A highlight of the visit was a seminar on Young Workers and Future Challenges.

In collaboration with STM Pembangunan Temanggung, a vocational school in Central Java, Indonesia, SERBUK organised the seminar on 18 November 2024, attended by 534 students. Tarja Loppi presented Finland’s education system, emphasising the universal right to education up to the university level and Finland's strong anti-corruption efforts. She attributed these advancements to over a century of trade union struggles in Finland, highlighting their critical role not just in workplaces but in driving policy changes at the national level.

“Trade unions are not only important in the workplace but also play a significant role in shaping national policies,” Tarja Loppi told the students, inspiring them to recognise the broader impact of union advocacy as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Tri Setyo Budi, Principal of STM Pembangunan Temanggung, underscored the seminar's importance in introducing students to the world of trade unions. “We hope this seminar equips students with a foundational understanding of the workforce and instils good values they can carry forward,” he said.

As part of the programme, SERBUK introduced its Young Worker Hotline, an initiative aimed at educating students and addressing their queries about the industrial sector, labour laws, and the challenges facing young workers. This builds on SERBUK’s previous efforts, such as its collaboration with the State Islamic University in Yogyakarta, to engage youth on workforce-related topics.

SERBUK envisions this initiative as a stepping stone toward establishing a Student Committee that will advocate for and educate young workers on campuses across Indonesia. By empowering young people with knowledge and awareness, SERBUK is helping shape a future workforce that values fairness, solidarity, and active participation in the trade union movement.