The World Health Organization estimates that 1,661 people die from asbestos disease in Indonesia every year, including 1,368 lung cancer cases and 225 mesothelioma cases. Yet, according to health system statistics, there have been no asbestos deaths and just six asbestos compensation claims.
The Rotterdam Convention needs urgent reform to list asbestos as a hazardous substance.
Anti-asbestos action groups in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam have has success advocating for policy reform and support activities leading toward national bans on asbestos.
Local Initiative for Occupational Safety and Health Network (LION) Indonesia is keeping up the fight to ban asbestos while responding to COVID-19.
On 5 October 2020, Indonesia’s legislature passed a controversial law aimed at boosting manufacturing and shoring up foreign investment. Read update by Michelle Ford