House approves Domestic Workers Protection Bill into law

 The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) approved the Bill on the Protection of Domestic Workers (PPRT Bill) to be enacted into law during its 17th plenary session of the fourth sitting period for 2025–2026.

“Can the Bill on the Protection of Domestic Workers be approved into law?” House Speaker Puan Maharani asked lawmakers on Tuesday (April 21), drawing unanimous approval.

The bill’s entire problem inventory list (DIM) had been finalized by the House Legislative Body (Baleg) a day earlier.

Baleg chairman Bob Hasan described the passage of the bill, after more than two decades of deliberation, as the “most beautiful gift” for Kartini Day, commemorated annually on April 21.

“We hope this bill reflects the spirit of Kartini’s empowerment, serving as protection for domestic workers,” he said.

He outlined key provisions agreed upon by stakeholders, including the government, civil society groups, and labor organizations.

The law regulates worker protection based on family values, respect for human rights, justice, welfare, and legal certainty. It governs both direct and indirect recruitment mechanisms.

It clarifies that individuals assisting with household tasks based on kinship, customary, educational, or religious ties are not categorized as domestic workers under the law.

Indirect recruitment by domestic worker placement agencies (P3RT) may be conducted through offline and online mechanisms. These agencies must be legal entities and obtain business licenses from the central government in line with prevailing regulations.

The bill guarantees domestic workers access to health and employment social security. It also requires prospective workers to undergo vocational education and training provided by the central government, regional administrations, or licensed placement agencies.

Placement agencies are prohibited from deducting wages or imposing similar fees on workers.

Supervision of placement services will be carried out by central and regional governments, including through community-level institutions, to help prevent violence against domestic workers.

Under the law, individuals under 18 years old, as well as those who were married and had worked as domestic workers prior to its enactment, will be exempted, with their rights remaining recognized.

The government is required to issue implementing regulations within one year after the law comes into force.