Elly Rosita Silaban: Championing Indonesian Workers’ Rights and Climate Justice

Elly Rosita Silaban is a leading figure in the Indonesian labor movement, serving as the President of the Konfederasi Serikat Buruh Seluruh Indonesia (KSBSI), The Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions, and an affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Her career, spanning nearly three decades, has focused on advocating for workers’ rights, gender equality, and increasingly, climate justice.

Early Career and Union Leadership

Born in North Sumatera, Silaban began her involvement in workers’ organizations in 1995. She has held several key positions within the Indonesian labor movement, including roles within the Migrant Worker Department of SBSI (1997-2000), and as Deputy Head and later Head of the Garment and Textile Federation, transitioning from SBSI to KSBSI in 2007 and serving until 2015. KSBSI represents a significant force in advocating for improved working conditions and fair labor practices across Indonesia.

Advocacy on the Global Stage

Silaban’s influence extends beyond Indonesia’s borders. She is a member of the Project Advisory Committee for ILO Better Work Indonesia (since 2011) and the National Monitoring Committee of H&M (since 2017). Her commitment to gender equality is reflected in her participation in the Gender Task Force of the ILO Bangkok (since 2019) and as a member of the General Council of the ITUC. In 2022, she chaired the L20 during Indonesia’s G20 Presidency and served on the IEA (International Energy Agency) Clean Energy Labour Council as an independent panel member, demonstrating her growing role in the intersection of labor rights and the energy transition. LinkedIn highlights her as the only woman to have led a trade union confederation in Indonesia for a second term.

Focus on Climate Justice and a Just Transition

Silaban has increasingly focused on the implications of climate change for workers. Speaking at events focused on climate action, she has emphasized the need for a “just transition” that prioritizes social justice and ensures that workers are not left behind as industries shift towards cleaner energy sources. She has called for strengthening occupational safety in industries like nickel mining and ensuring that new employment opportunities are created during the transition. ILO presentation slides from September 2023 showcase her work in responsible business practices, human rights, and decent work in Asia.

Addressing Gender Inequality in the Workforce

A consistent theme in Silaban’s advocacy is the need to address gender inequality within the workforce. She has highlighted the challenges faced by women workers, including double standards in employment opportunities and wage systems. She champions policies that promote equal opportunities and decent work for women, recognizing the disproportionate impact of environmental crises on women and the importance of closing the gender gap in technological skills. UN Women featured her as a guest speaker in their “Women at the Table on Climate Change” series in May 2025.

As President of KSBSI, Elly Rosita Silaban continues to be a powerful voice for Indonesian workers, advocating for their rights and a sustainable future that prioritizes both economic prosperity and social justice.