What are the three types of mandatory worker medical examinations in Indonesia?

Under Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Regulation No. PER-02/MEN/1980 (Permenaker PER-02/MEN/1980), there are three types of worker medical examinations, all conducted by a physician: pre-employment, periodic, and special examinations (Article 1 letters a–c). Employers or managers of workplaces covered by the Work Safety Law (UU 1/1970) are required to organize all three. Furthermore, Prepare a written examination plan (Article 2(2), Article 3(2), and Article 6(1)).

Pre-employment and periodic examinations

Pre-employment examinations are conducted before a candidate is hired to ensure optimal health, absence of contagious diseases that could affect co-workers. In addition, Suitability for the assigned work (Article 2(1)).

Periodic examinations are conducted at regular intervals during employment—at least once a year unless the authorized Director General specifies otherwise. To maintain worker health and detect work-related health effects early (Article 3(1)–(2)). Both share the same core baseline: a complete physical examination, physical fitness check, chest X-ray where feasible, routine laboratory tests. In addition, Other job-specific tests deemed necessary (Article 2(3) and Article 3(3)).

Special examinations

Special examinations assess the effects of specific tasks on particular workers (Article 1(c) and Article 5(1)). Under Article 5(2)–(3), they apply to workers returning from an accident or illness requiring more than two weeks of treatment. Workers suspected of work-related health disorders, specific groups (workers over age 40, female workers, workers with disabilities. In addition, Young workers performing specific tasks), or when worker complaints or labor inspector observations arise.

What the employer receives

While managers must follow up on abnormalities found during periodic check-ups (Article 3(6)). Workers retain their statutory right to health data confidentiality under UU 17/2023 Article 4(1)(i). Accordingly, individual clinical findings remain with the worker and examining medical team, while the company receives the physician's fitness-for-work conclusion or work restrictions.