Behind the Desk of Domestic Worker Legislation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Behind tightly closed doors of homes, millions of domestic workers (PRT) carry out nearly invisible work that underpins everyday life. They are present in the intimate rhythm of domestic life, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare, yet ironically they have long been left in a legal grey area. The state has seemed distant from their workplaces. The ratification of the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT) on 21 April 2026 becomes a crucial moment to end this paradox. It is not merely a product of legislation, but a marker that the state is finally entering the domestic space, a space long considered private but which actually harbours unequal employment relations. This ratification marks a new chapter in the governance of domestic employment relations in Indonesia. For the first time, the state provides a binding legal umbrella for relations between employers (majikan) and domestic workers (PRT), whose numbers are estimated to exceed five million people. The UU PPRT deserves to be called one of the weighty legislative products. It did not come about instantly, but through a long, participatory process full of public pressure. For more than two decades, since first proposed in 2004, this bill has repeatedly entered the National Legislation Programme (Prolegnas), but always stalled at the final stage. Behind that long journey lies the important role of civil society coalitions, such as the National Network for Domestic Worker Advocacy (JALA PRT) and the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), which have consistently championed this issue. Advocacy was carried out not only through studies, public campaigns, and audiences, but also through demonstrations in front of the DPR building. It is this consistently maintained pressure that finally found its momentum in the 2024-2029 Legislative Body (Baleg) period. Stronger political consolidation between the DPR and the government became a key factor. The PPRT Bill entered the 2025 Priority Prolegnas and received cross-faction support. At this point, public aspirations met the political will of the lawmakers.