BPJS Ketenagakerjaan fire‑walk recruitment video sparks public debate

A video posted on Instagram shows candidates for BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Indonesia's social security agency, walking barefoot over a bed of burning coals. The footage, shared by journalist Melanie Subono, quickly went viral and prompted netizens to question the relevance of a fire‑walk to the duties of future BPJS employees.

BPJS management responded that the fire‑walk is part of the Orientation Pegawai Baru (OPK) program, designed to develop character, mental readiness and ethical values in new hires. Deputy Communications Officer Erfan Kurniawan said, "Program OPK merupakan bagian dari proses pembentukan sumber daya manusia BPJS Ketenagakerjaan" and emphasized that the activity is intended to build competence and integrity before staff begin serving the public.