Jakarta: Indonesia has passed a long-awaited law granting legal protections to millions of domestic workers, marking a major milestone more than two decades after the legislation was first introduced.
The newly approved Domestic Workers Protection Law covers an estimated 4.2 million workers across the country, nearly 90 percent of whom are women, who were previously excluded from formal labour classifications. With the new framework in place, domestic workers will now be entitled to essential rights, including health insurance, rest days, and pension benefits.
The law also introduces stricter regulations on recruitment practices. Placement agencies will be prohibited from deducting wages, and employing individuals under the age of 18 as domestic workers will now be illegal.
Emotions ran high following the bill’s passage, with many workers describing the moment as historic. Ajeng Astuti, a domestic worker, called it the culmination of a 22-year struggle to gain protection, reflecting widespread relief among those who have long campaigned for recognition and rights.
First introduced in 2004, the legislation faced repeated delays and political hurdles. Discussions stalled for years before being revived in 2020, eventually leading to its approval by parliament. Authorities have been given a one-year timeframe to develop detailed regulations to ensure effective implementation of the law.
Despite their critical contribution to households and the broader economy, domestic workers in Indonesia have historically operated in informal conditions, often without contracts or legal safeguards. Reports indicate cases of long working hours, low wages, and even child labour, with some entering the workforce as young as 12.
Jumiyem, a domestic worker from Yogyakarta, expressed hope following the announcement, saying the law was something workers had long been waiting for. Rights organisations have welcomed the move but caution that enforcement will be key. Lita Anggraini, of the Jala PRT rights group, highlighted the need for widespread public education to ensure employers understand their responsibilities under the new law.
The group also reported more than 3,300 cases of violence against domestic workers between 2021 and 2024, including incidents of physical and psychological abuse, underscoring the urgency of effective implementation.
While the law represents a significant step forward, activists stress that continued efforts will be necessary to ensure lasting protection and dignity for domestic workers across Indonesia.
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