Indonesia to Pass Long-Awaited Domestic Workers Protection Bill

Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the long-awaited Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) on Employment and Social Protection (PPRT), marking a significant milestone after more than two decades of discussion. The regulation, which aims to strengthen protections for informal workers, was formally endorsed ahead of Hari Kartini and International Workers’ Day celebrations, with officials describing its passage as a timely tribute to labor rights advocates.

The approval came during a plenary session where lawmakers from various political factions voiced support for the measure, emphasizing its alignment with national commitments to social justice and economic inclusivity. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad highlighted the symbolic timing of the decision, noting that the ratification serves as both a gift for Kartini Day — commemorating the legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini in advancing women’s rights — and a meaningful observance of May Day, which honors the contributions and struggles of workers across the country.

According to reports from Kompas.com and corroborated by multiple national outlets including detikNews and Kompas.id, the Perppu on PPRT had been under deliberation since the early 2000s, with repeated delays attributed to differing interpretations of scope, funding mechanisms, and institutional responsibilities. The version ultimately passed includes 12 core provisions covering wage protection, access to social security, occupational safety, and mechanisms for dispute resolution tailored to workers in the informal sector, such as street vendors, domestic helpers, and freelance laborers.

Labor advocates have long argued that informal workers, who constitute over half of Indonesia’s workforce, remain vulnerable due to limited access to minimum wage guarantees, health insurance, and pension schemes. The new regulation seeks to address these gaps by mandating local governments to register informal workers and integrate them into existing social protection programs, while also requiring businesses that engage such labor to contribute to social security funds where applicable.

Government officials clarified that the Perppu does not replace the need for a formal law but serves as an interim measure to provide immediate protections while deliberations on a permanent UU PPRT (Law on Employment and Social Protection) continue in the legislature. The regulation carries the same legal force as a law until it is either ratified by the DPR or revoked, and it must be reviewed within a specified timeframe to assess its impact and inform future legislative action.

Public response to the announcement has been cautiously optimistic, with labor NGOs and worker associations welcoming the step forward while urging vigilance in implementation. Representatives from the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) and the National Network for Domestic Workers Advocacy (Jala PRT) emphasized that effective enforcement at the regional level will be critical, particularly in ensuring that registration systems are accessible and that local budgets allocate sufficient resources for outreach and compliance monitoring.

As the country observes Hari Kartini on April 21 and May Day on May 1, the timing of the Perppu’s approval has been framed by policymakers as a reaffirmation of Indonesia’s dedication to advancing equity and dignity in labor. Officials stated that future steps will include drafting the permanent UU PPRT, conducting public consultations, and aligning the regulation with broader national development goals outlined in the country’s medium-term plan.