Social Security Challenges and Its Strategy During Pandemic COVID-19 In Indonesia

Abstract

In early 2020, the coronavirus disease or Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, including Indonesia. This pandemic triggered the emergence of a policy of lockdown or limitation in the operation of public facilities and Large Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) which aim to reduce the spread of the virus. Covid-19 pandemic and PSBB policy had been affected social security institution seriously due to massif resigned from social security membership as the consequences of massif lay off in many companies. The worsening pandemic situation caused to decline in social security coverage and created an obstacle to provides its service in due time. This paper aims to explain the challenges which have been facing by BP Jamsostek as social security operator during the pandemic and how they adapt to new circumstances while keep maintaining their obligation to provide service as regulated while refraining from spreading of virus covid-19. By using a method of description which is taken from empirical experiences of BP Jamsostek and some international experiences, the paper is expected to arrive with the result of the conclusion that in time of the pandemic, the social security role remains vital and even more relevant to prevent more workers falling deeper into poverty. Based on BP Jamsostek experienced during the pandemic there was an unprecedented increase of claims asking for their Old Age saving. The problem is social security office was also under lockdown in an early stage of the pandemic and then after some months only allowed half of the employees to work from the office. This situation forced management to find a new model of services that suitable for the pandemic situation. Learning from other social security international practices, BP Jamsostek now can serve workers through a technological innovation called "Lapak Asik" or to serve without physical contact by utilizing digital technology.