Indonesia’s Parliament has passed a law providing legal protections for domestic workers after over 20 years of deliberation, granting this group of citizens formal recognition under labor legislation. The country comprises approximately 4.2 million domestic workers, nearly 90% of whom are women; a significant number have until now operated without official contracts or social security. This new law establishes medical insurance, paid personal days, and pension coverage for such workers and prohibits employment agencies from withholding portions of their wages. Additionally, it bans the employment of individuals under 18 in these roles. Initially proposed in 2004, the bill was reintroduced in 2020 and subsequently passed in parliament. Over the next year, regulators are tasked with drafting the implementing rules for the new provisions.
Representatives from human rights organizations have commended the adoption of the law, emphasizing the need for additional measures to ensure compliance with workplace rights, including public educational campaigns that highlight employers’ responsibilities. For instance, the organization Jala PRT has reported over 3,300 cases of abuse against domestic workers during 2021–2024, including physical and psychological mistreatment.