History of National K3 Month, The Beginning of the Dutch Presence in the 17th Century

Kapanlagi.com - The National Occupational Safety and Health Month (K3) is an important moment that is always awaited in Indonesia. Every year, this celebration takes place from January 12 to February 12, with the main goal of raising public awareness about the importance of safety and health in the workplace. However, did you know that the journey of K3 in Indonesia has a rich and profound history, even dating back to the Dutch colonial period?

Since the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century, regulations regarding occupational safety began to be introduced in our homeland. One historic moment was the birth of the steam boiler regulation in 1853, which became the starting point for the development of more comprehensive K3 regulations in the future.

After Indonesia gained independence, the government's attention to K3 policies increased significantly. From the issuance of laws to the implementation of national campaigns, National K3 Month has now evolved into a sustainable community movement.

So, how has this long journey of K3 been formed and developed over time?

1. Colonial Era: The Early Foundations of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations in Indonesia

The presence of the Dutch in Indonesia in the 17th century marked a new chapter in the implementation of workplace safety concepts, which began with the establishment of steam boiler regulations in 1853 to reduce the risk of accidents in colonial factories.

In an effort to protect workers from hazards, various rules began to be enforced, including regulations on the transport of chemicals and medicines, although still limited to certain sectors. These measures became an important foundation for the development of occupational health and safety (OHS) in the homeland.

The peak occurred in 1910 when the Dutch government introduced the Veiligheids Reglement, or Occupational Safety Regulation, which further emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety of workers.

2. Independence Era: The Birth of the Occupational Safety Law

After the proclamation of independence, attention to workplace safety in Indonesia grew stronger. In 1957, the government began drafting laws regulating labor and workplace accidents, marking a new era of oversight in the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) across various industrial sectors.

The peak occurred in 1970 with the birth of Law Number 1 of 1970 concerning Occupational Safety, which became the main guideline for protecting workers from various risks of accidents and occupational diseases.

This regulation not only raised public awareness of the importance of workplace safety but also encouraged the government to establish a special agency tasked with overseeing the implementation of OHS, ensuring that every company complies with regulations to create a safe and healthy working environment for all.

3. Year 1984: The Beginning of the National K3 Campaign

The year 1984 marked an important milestone in the journey of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) in Indonesia, when the government, through the Minister of Manpower's Decree Number Kep. 13/MEN/1984, launched the National K3 Campaign Pattern. The campaign, which lasted for one month, from January 12 to February 12, aimed to spread awareness of K3 culture among the community.

Since then, various educational activities and training have been held, involving the government, companies, and professional organizations, to enhance understanding of the importance of workplace safety. In 1993, the term National K3 Campaign transformed into the National Movement to Cultivate K3, marked by the issuance of the Minister of Manpower Decree No. Kep. 463/MEN/1993, encouraging the community to make K3 an integral part of daily life.

4. Echo of K3 Power: A Sustainable Movement for Workplace Safety

In 2009, an innovative initiative was launched to strengthen the culture of occupational health and safety (OHS) through the "Effective Movement of Society Cultivating OHS", or more commonly known as Gema Daya K3. Officially inaugurated on January 12, coinciding with the start of the National OHS Month, this movement aims to make OHS an integral part of daily life at the workplace, not just a seasonal program.

With a spirit of collaboration, Gema Daya K3 invites all elements of society to actively participate in creating a safe and healthy work environment, making safety a sustainable culture throughout the year.

5. OHS in the Digital Era: Challenges and Hopes

In the midst of the digital era onslaught, the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) faces increasingly complex challenges. The digital transformation that changes work patterns requires all parties to adapt to existing safety regulations.

The government continues to encourage technology-based sectors to integrate OHS into every aspect of their operations. With active involvement from all stakeholders, it is hoped that the OHS culture can thrive in society, supporting the grand ambition of "Indonesia with a Culture of OHS" that has been initiated since 2015.

6. What is National K3 Month?

National K3 Month, held from January 12 to February 12, is a special moment to raise awareness of the importance of occupational safety and health throughout Indonesia.

7. When was National K3 Month first commemorated?

Since 1984, Indonesia has celebrated National K3 Month as a form of commitment to occupational safety and health, thanks to the issuance of Kepmenaker No. Kep. 13/MEN/1984.

8. What is the purpose of National K3 Month?

Our main mission is to build a sustainable culture of occupational safety and health (K3), aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of safety and ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all.

9. What is the early history of K3 in Indonesia?

Since the Dutch colonial era, the historical journey of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) began with a bold step through the publication of regulations on steam boilers in 1853.

(kpl/srr)