Institutional Challenges and Opportunities in Integrating Occupational Health Management: A Case Study of Rancaekek District, Indonesia

While occupational health management (OHM) is critical for ensuring worker safety and productivity, its integration into local governance structures remains inconsistent in many developing regions. This qualitative case study examines the institutional challenges and opportunities in implementing OHM policies in the Rancaekek District, Bandung Regency, Indonesia, a rapidly industrializing area with a growing manufacturing sector. Data were collected from interviews with 23 industries and OHM stakeholders—which include policymakers, industry representatives, and workers—as well as from documents of regional regulations on OHM. The findings reveal that the local government has demonstrated commitment to integrating OHM through the establishment of the Regional General Hospital for Occupational Health (RSUD Kesehatan Kerja), although its effectiveness remains hindered by fragmented institutional coordination, limited resources, and varying levels of compliance among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Key challenges include overlapping responsibilities between local health agencies and labor departments, inadequate training for occupational health inspectors, and a lack of worker awareness of safety procedures, particularly in informal businesses. However, this study has also identified opportunities for improvement, such as partnerships between occupational health hospitals and public and private institutions, digital reporting systems for workplace hazards, and greater involvement of labor unions in policy formulation. Addressing these matters can strengthen OHM frameworks and better protect workers in industrialized regions.