Indonesia's parliament has passed a law to protect the rights of domestic workers, more than 20 years after it was first introduced. The country is home to some 4.2 million domestic workers—of which almost 90% are women—who previously lacked legal classification and protections as workers.
Under the new Domestic Workers Protection Law, these individuals will now be entitled to health insurance, mandated rest days, and pensions. Moreover, placement agencies are prohibited from deducting wages, and it is now illegal to employ children under the age of 18 as domestic workers. The news of the law's passing brought tears of joy to many workers, marking what they described as the end of a 22-year struggle to gain protection.
Originally introduced in 2004, the Domestic Workers Protection Law faced numerous obstacles and delays, with discussions stalled for years before returning to parliament in 2020. Activists note that despite this significant victory, the fight is not over. Lita Anggraini from the Jala PRT rights group emphasized the necessity for public education campaigns to inform employers about their new responsibilities under the law.
The implementation policies are expected to be drafted within a year, aiming to provide better working conditions and job security for millions of domestic workers. Reports indicate that from 2021 to 2024, more than 3,300 cases of violence against domestic employees have been documented, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and support mechanisms.
Domestic workers like Ajeng Astuti expressed their sentiments, stating, It feels like a dream. This is our 22-year struggle as marginalized women to gain protection. With this law, the hope is that the critical role of domestic workers in the economy will finally receive the recognition and support it deserves.
Under the new Domestic Workers Protection Law, these individuals will now be entitled to health insurance, mandated rest days, and pensions. Moreover, placement agencies are prohibited from deducting wages, and it is now illegal to employ children under the age of 18 as domestic workers. The news of the law's passing brought tears of joy to many workers, marking what they described as the end of a 22-year struggle to gain protection.
Originally introduced in 2004, the Domestic Workers Protection Law faced numerous obstacles and delays, with discussions stalled for years before returning to parliament in 2020. Activists note that despite this significant victory, the fight is not over. Lita Anggraini from the Jala PRT rights group emphasized the necessity for public education campaigns to inform employers about their new responsibilities under the law.
The implementation policies are expected to be drafted within a year, aiming to provide better working conditions and job security for millions of domestic workers. Reports indicate that from 2021 to 2024, more than 3,300 cases of violence against domestic employees have been documented, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory enforcement and support mechanisms.
Domestic workers like Ajeng Astuti expressed their sentiments, stating, It feels like a dream. This is our 22-year struggle as marginalized women to gain protection. With this law, the hope is that the critical role of domestic workers in the economy will finally receive the recognition and support it deserves.
