One in Four Indonesian Workers Overwork, Risking Serious Health Issues

A significant portion of Indonesia's workforce is grappling with excessive working hours, with recent data revealing that over a quarter of employees work more than the standard 49-hour week. The National Labor Force Survey (Sakernas) by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for August 2025 indicates that 25.47% of Indonesian workers fall into the 'overwork' category.

This prolonged engagement with work carries substantial health risks, as warned by neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar. Research suggests that the healthiest workweek ranges between 35 to 40 hours. Exceeding this threshold escalates health concerns, with consistent workweeks of 55 hours or more strongly associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular issues.

Dr. Kumar highlighted that individuals working 55 hours or more weekly face a 35% greater risk of stroke and a 17% increased risk of ischemic heart disease compared to those working 35-40 hours. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have also noted that long working hours contribute to a substantial number of global deaths from stroke and heart disease annually.

The detrimental effects of overwork extend beyond cardiovascular health. It is linked to poor sleep quality, chronic fatigue, burnout, heightened anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, extended work hours can diminish concentration, increase the likelihood of workplace injuries and errors, and reduce opportunities for exercise, healthy eating, and spending time with family.