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. They were previously not legally classified as workers. The new law guarantees health insurance, rest days, and pensions for domestic workers, and it prohibits placement agencies from imposing wage deductions and hiring children under the age of 18.
During the announcement of the law, many workers wept with joy as one remarked that it marked the culmination of a '22-year struggle to gain protection.' The Domestic Workers Protection Law was first introduced in 2004, facing numerous legislative obstacles until discussions resumed in 2020.
Regulators have one year to draft detailed policies for implementing the law. Despite domestic workers' essential contribution to households and the economy, millions were left without legal protections, often working in poor conditions without formal contracts. Many work long hours for little pay, with reports indicating that some begin working as young as 12.
Ajeng Astuti, a domestic worker, expressed her feelings saying, 'It feels like a dream. This is our 22-year struggle as marginalized women to gain protection.' Fellow domestic worker Jumiyem added, 'We've been longing for this [law], and now we can feel it.'
While many rights groups welcomed the legislation, they insisted that the fight for better conditions and protections for domestic workers is far from over. Lita Anggraini from the Jala PRT rights group emphasized the need for a public education campaign to inform employers of their new responsibilities under the law. Reports have highlighted over 3,300 cases of violence against domestic workers between 2021 and 2024, including physical and psychological abuse.
During the announcement of the law, many workers wept with joy as one remarked that it marked the culmination of a '22-year struggle to gain protection.' The Domestic Workers Protection Law was first introduced in 2004, facing numerous legislative obstacles until discussions resumed in 2020.
Regulators have one year to draft detailed policies for implementing the law. Despite domestic workers' essential contribution to households and the economy, millions were left without legal protections, often working in poor conditions without formal contracts. Many work long hours for little pay, with reports indicating that some begin working as young as 12.
Ajeng Astuti, a domestic worker, expressed her feelings saying, 'It feels like a dream. This is our 22-year struggle as marginalized women to gain protection.' Fellow domestic worker Jumiyem added, 'We've been longing for this [law], and now we can feel it.'
While many rights groups welcomed the legislation, they insisted that the fight for better conditions and protections for domestic workers is far from over. Lita Anggraini from the Jala PRT rights group emphasized the need for a public education campaign to inform employers of their new responsibilities under the law. Reports have highlighted over 3,300 cases of violence against domestic workers between 2021 and 2024, including physical and psychological abuse.
