[Indonesia] Domestic workers legally recognised following '22-year struggle'

In Indonesia, a law to protect the rights of domestic workers has finally passed parliament, more than 20 years after it was first introduced, BBC News reports.

There are currently around 4.2 million domestic workers in the country, and almost 90 per cent are women. Prior to the law’s passage, they were not legally classified as workers.

Domestic workers will now be entitled to health insurance, rest days and pensions. Placement agencies will no longer be permitted to implement wage deductions, and it will be illegal to hire children under the age of 18 to undertake work of this nature.

Some workers reportedly wept when they learned that the law was passed. One worker stated that it was the culmination of a "22-year struggle to gain protection".

The Domestic Workers Protection Law was first introduced in 2004 but it repeatedly ran up against roadblocks. Discussions on the bill had been halted for years before they were brought up again in parliament in 2020.

Regulators will now have one year to draft detailed implementation policies.

Millions of Indonesia's domestic workers were unprotected under local labour laws, despite the critical role they play in the economy. Many were employed informally without any legal contract. Some work long hours for little pay, and some enter the profession from as young as 12 years old.

Speaking to the AFP news agency, Lita Anggraini - of the Jala PRT rights group - said that a public education campaign would be needed to teach employers about their responsibilities.

The group reported more than 3,300 cases of violence against domestic workers from 2021-2024. This reportedly included cases of physical and psychological abuse.

Source: BBC News

In Indonesia, a law to protect the rights of domestic workers has finally passed parliament, more than 20 years after it was first introduced, BBC News reports.

There are currently around 4.2 million domestic workers in the country, and almost 90 per cent are women. Prior to the law’s passage, they were not legally classified as workers.

Domestic workers will now be entitled to health insurance, rest days and pensions. Placement agencies will no longer be permitted to implement wage deductions, and it will be illegal to hire children under the age of 18 to undertake work of this nature.

Some workers reportedly wept when they learned that the law was passed. One worker stated that it was the culmination of a "22-year struggle to gain protection".

The Domestic Workers Protection Law was first introduced in 2004 but it repeatedly ran up against roadblocks. Discussions on the bill had been halted for years before they were brought up again in parliament in 2020.

Regulators will now have one year to draft detailed implementation policies.

Millions of Indonesia's domestic workers were unprotected under local labour laws, despite the critical role they play in the economy. Many were employed informally without any legal contract. Some work long hours for little pay, and some enter the profession from as young as 12 years old.

Speaking to the AFP news agency, Lita Anggraini - of the Jala PRT rights group - said that a public education campaign would be needed to teach employers about their responsibilities.

The group reported more than 3,300 cases of violence against domestic workers from 2021-2024. This reportedly included cases of physical and psychological abuse.

Source: BBC News