Indonesia’s government has formally recognised domestic workers as employees for the first time, marking the end of a 22-year campaign led by advocacy groups and unions. The new law, signed by President Joko Widodo in March 2024, grants domestic workers basic rights including minimum wage, rest days, and access to social security. The move comes after years of pressure from local and international human rights organisations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Legal Recognition Ends Years of Exploitation
The recognition of domestic workers as formal employees is a major shift in Indonesia’s labor laws. For decades, domestic workers—mostly women from rural areas—were excluded from labor protections, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and low pay. The new law mandates that employers provide written contracts, a minimum wage of 2.3 million rupiah per month (around $150), and access to health insurance.
“This is a historic moment for domestic workers in Indonesia,” said Siti Nurbaya Bakar, the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection. “We have long ignored the contributions of these workers, but now they will have the same rights as other employees.”
Global Pressure and Local Advocacy
International organisations played a key role in pushing for the reform. The ILO had long highlighted the lack of legal protections for domestic workers in Indonesia, which is home to an estimated 1.5 million domestic workers. Local advocacy groups, such as the Indonesian Domestic Workers’ Union (PUSA), also mobilised thousands of workers in protests and public campaigns.
“We’ve been fighting for this for over two decades,” said Dian, a domestic worker from Jakarta. “Now, we can finally demand fair treatment and dignity.”
The new law is seen as a step forward, but many workers remain unaware of their rights. Advocates say widespread education and enforcement will be critical to ensuring the law is implemented effectively.
Challenges Remain for Implementation
Despite the legal change, enforcement is a major challenge. Many employers, particularly in private households, may resist compliance. A 2023 survey by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) found that only 18% of domestic workers had formal contracts, and 65% reported working more than 12 hours a day without rest.
“The law is a good start, but we need more than just legislation,” said Dr. Rina Suryani, a labor rights expert at the University of Indonesia. “We need to ensure that workers know their rights and that there are mechanisms to hold employers accountable.”
The government has announced plans to launch a public awareness campaign and increase inspections of households and agencies that employ domestic workers. However, critics argue that more resources are needed to support these efforts.
Impact on Indonesia’s Labor Market
The reform is expected to have broader implications for Indonesia’s labor market. With domestic workers now entitled to minimum wage and benefits, the cost of hiring them may rise. This could affect both middle-class households and the broader informal sector, which relies heavily on domestic labor.
“This will change the dynamics of the labor market,” said Budi Suryadi, an economist at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce. “Employers will need to adjust to new standards, which could lead to more formalised employment and better working conditions.”
Regional and International Reactions
The reform has drawn praise from international partners. The European Union has called it a “positive development,” while the United States Department of Labor has acknowledged the progress in its annual report on global labor conditions. However, some critics argue that the law still lacks provisions for migrant domestic workers, who often face even greater risks.
“While this is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to protect all domestic workers, especially those from other countries,” said a spokesperson for the ILO.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
The next phase of the reform will focus on implementation and monitoring. The Ministry of Manpower has set a deadline of December 2024 for all employers to register their domestic workers and provide them with contracts. Failure to comply may result in fines or legal action.
Domestic workers and their advocates will be closely watching the government’s efforts to ensure the law is enforced. As the country moves forward, the challenge will be to translate legal recognition into real, tangible improvements in the lives of millions of workers.
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What is the latest news about indonesia recognises domestic workers after 22year fight?
Indonesia’s government has formally recognised domestic workers as employees for the first time, marking the end of a 22-year campaign led by advocacy groups and unions.
Why does this matter for economy-business?
The move comes after years of pressure from local and international human rights organisations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO).
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For decades, domestic workers—mostly women from rural areas—were excluded from labor protections, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and low pay.
