Adaptation of the Flexicurity Concept to Address the Social Protection Gap forGig Workers in Indonesia: A Theoretical Analysis and Comparison withEuropean Models
Keywords:
comparative study flexicurity labor market policy gig economy social protectionAbstract
The rapid growth of Indonesia’s gig economy shows a major gap in social protection for platform-based workers. Although digital platforms offer flexible job opportunities, most gig workers still lack formal labor rights and access to programs such as BPJS, pensions, and income protection. This study analyzes how the flexicurity model from Europe which combines labor market flexibility with strong social protection can be applied to Indonesia’s gig economy. Using qualitative comparative analysis based on data from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Indonesia, the research focuses on four main aspects: adaptive employment contracts, flexible social protection, lifelong learning, and social dialogue. The results show that Indonesia’s system remains fragmented, with limited coordination between BPJS, government institutions, and digital platforms. To overcome this, the study proposes a step-by-step adaptation strategy through tripartite financing involving the government, platforms, and workers; mandatory platform-based contributions; and digital integration for registration and benefit delivery. These steps are expected to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and secure labor protection system for gig workers in Indonesia’s digital economy.
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