Indonesia Passes Domestic Workers Protection Law

The Indonesian House of Representatives passed the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT) on April 21, 2026, establishing a legal framework that recognizes domestic workers as formal workers. The legislation follows more than two decades of advocacy by workers and civil society coalitions seeking to secure legal protections for a historically marginalized workforce.

The law was finalized during a parliamentary session where House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani struck the gavel to formally pass the measure. For many advocates, the moment marked the culmination of a struggle that began approximately 22 years ago.

Decades of Advocacy

The path to the passage of the UU PPRT involved years of lobbying and consultations with the Indonesian government and the House of Representatives. The effort was led by a civil society coalition that utilized a variety of strategies to bring the issue to the legislative floor, including public demonstrations and detailed discussions with academics.

Suranti, a 55-year-old domestic worker from Bogor, was among those who attended the April 21 session. She described the emotional toll of the long-term struggle, noting the persistence required to lobby the parliament building under difficult conditions.

I’m happy. Day and night, we struggled in front of (the parliament building), enduring the heat, oh God. Today I’m happy

Suranti, domestic worker

Ajeng Astuti, a 47-year-old part-time domestic worker based in South Jakarta, characterized the legislative victory as a milestone for marginalized women who had fought for protection for 22 years.

It feels like a dream. This is the struggle of marginalised women for 22 years to gain protection

Ajeng Astuti, domestic worker

Legal Recognition and Remaining Concerns

By recognizing domestic workers as formal workers, the UU PPRT provides a legal umbrella intended to offer new protections and shift the status of domestic labor within the Indonesian economy. This formalization is intended to address systemic vulnerabilities faced by workers in private households.

Despite the celebrations following the April 21 vote, some domestic workers and experts have expressed caution. While the new law includes several provisions that are expected to bring meaningful change, there are ongoing concerns regarding potential gaps in the legislation that could affect its overall efficacy and implementation.