Intersectional Justice: The Plight of Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Indonesia’s Labor Market

Abstract

This paper explores the intersectional challenges faced by ethnic and religious minorities in Indonesia’s labor market, where discrimination based on both ethnicity and religion continues to limit access to employment, fair wages, and career advancement. Despite legal protections, such as the 2003 Manpower Law, which prohibits discrimination in employment, many minority groups—particularly indigenous peoples, Chinese Indonesians, and religious minorities such as the Ahmadiyya and Christians—face systematic exclusion from high-wage and high-status jobs. The study investigates how the intersectionality of ethnic and religious identity shapes individuals' experiences within Indonesia's labor market, focusing on hiring practices, workplace discrimination, and the barriers to career advancement. By analyzing survey data, interviews with labor market participants, and case studies of minority groups, the paper highlights the persistence of discriminatory attitudes and practices that hinder the economic mobility of marginalized communities. The findings suggest that despite legal frameworks, there is a lack of effective enforcement and a failure to address the root causes of labor market discrimination. The paper concludes by proposing a comprehensive approach to intersectional justice, including stricter anti-discrimination policies, improved labor market enforcement mechanisms, and targeted initiatives to support minority workers’ career development.