Analysis of Forced Labor Study as a Violation of Human Rights in the Harmonization of Indonesian Labor Law with International Standards

Abstract

This study analyzes forced labor as a violation of human rights in the context of harmonizing Indonesian labor law with international standards. Forced labor is explicitly prohibited under various international legal instruments, including the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 29 of 1930 and No. 105 of 1957, as well as other human rights instruments. However, forced labor practices continue to exist in various sectors of employment in Indonesia, both directly and in disguised forms. This research employs a normative juridical method using statutory, conceptual, and comparative legal approaches. The data were collected through library research involving national legislation, international legal instruments, legal doctrines, and relevant academic literature. The data were analyzed qualitatively using a descriptive-analytical method to examine the conformity between Indonesian labor law and international standards in preventing forced labor. The findings indicate that the harmonization of Indonesian labor law with international standards has been partially achieved through various national regulations; however, normative and implementation gaps still exist. Factors such as weak labor inspection mechanisms, limited awareness of workers’ rights, and the prevalence of informal economic practices constitute major obstacles in preventing forced labor. The study concludes that stronger legal harmonization, more effective law enforcement, and enhanced human rights-based labor protection are required to ensure Indonesia fully complies with international standards in preventing forced labor.