by Mathias Hariyadi

Civil society and corporate groups as well as international organisations try to reconcile ethics and business interests in order to boost cooperation, and address common problems and interests. In doing so, they can uphold UN standard for business practices.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Business interests and human rights, profits and workers' rights, bosses and cheap labour are often at odds with each other and detrimental to the health and welfare of society, especially in countries like Indonesia during periods of economic growth.

In view of this, Indonesian civil society organisations (CSOs) are organising a number of meetings focusing on ethics in business because human rights and business practices are not inherently contradictory to each other.

In this context, the Indonesian Global Compact Network (IGCN), in collaboration with Oxfam, and corporate groups recently held a two-day meeting in Jakarta (pictured) to discuss 'Business and Human Rights'.

Some 66 people, including labour experts, human rights activists, trade union officials and business leaders took part in the event.

Businesses and corporations, local and multinational, are often accused of not respecting human rights, in particular as regards to the forced expropriation of land. They are also seen as not caring about the environment instead of promoting truly sustainable development for the planet.Wages and workload are another major issue. Too often, workers are paid way below standards for a workload that is far too high.

The goal of the two-day forum was to create a "bridge" between business and workers, a place where the two sides, which are often at odds with each other, can meet and exchange.

"This forum is aimed at strengthening a collaborative teamwork in which to meet such common concerns and interests," said IGCN's President Mr. Y.W. Yunardy, during his opening address, to the representatives of corporate interests, academia, and CSOs.

Major foreign companies and multinationals operating in Indonesia, from industry confectionery giants to cosmetics, were also represented at the forum.

Speaking to AsiaNews at the end of the conference, groups, activists and CSOs stressed the importance of ethics and respect for human rights in the workplace and business world.

The goal is to ensure the application of the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) in the field of business and enterprise, with particular attention to the protection of water resources, land expropriation and workers' rights. 

• indonesia
• business
• interests
• worker's
• rights
• meeting