Domestic Workers Protection Act Passed, Commission XIII: Embodiment of Recognition of Domestic Workers' Rights
Chairman of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Willy Aditya, has warmly welcomed the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT), viewing it as a breakthrough in efforts to protect the rights of domestic workers (PRT), which have often been neglected.
As is known, the House of Representatives enacted the UU PPRT during a Plenary Session on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, following a lengthy process spanning more than two decades. Willy described the collaborative struggle to protect domestic workers in Indonesia as finally bearing fruit. According to him, the efforts pursued for over 22 years to provide recognition and decent protection have now been realised in the era of President Prabowo’s administration.
High appreciation also goes to the leadership and members of the House’s legislative body who, together with the government, have continuously strived to turn the Domestic Workers Protection Bill into law,” said Willy in Jakarta on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
Furthermore, Willy explained that the presence of the UU PPRT can ensure that domestic workers employed in the domestic sector receive the respect they deserve, similar to other professions. “The UU PPRT is a strong commitment to humanising humanity. Workers who support productive industrial work are now truly valued for their labour,” he clarified.
The UU PPRT can also ensure that domestic workers obtain their basic rights as workers, which are part of Human Rights (HAM). “Domestic workers have the same protection rights as other workers. This is an extraordinary achievement involving the House of Representatives, the government, and various workers’ organisations that deserves high appreciation,” stated the NasDem Fraction politician.
Willy also explained that for decades, Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower did not include the definition of domestic-related work as a type of employment. Willy assessed that this made domestic workers difficult to protect.
“The absence of recognition for domestic workers in the Manpower Law has led to a pile-up of humanitarian violation cases that have caused concern among many parties. The debate was so lengthy that it prolonged cases of human rights violations. From year to year, the perspective has continuously shifted and been improved,” he said.
According to Willy, the presence of the UU PPRT adds to the commitment to stop the series of cases afflicting domestic workers through protective norms for them. “The UU PPRT is a solution for three parties: protection and recognition for workers, for employers, and benefits for the state,” he explained.
Willy elaborated that the socio-cultural perspective adopted in the UU PPRT is progressive and provides uniqueness for Indonesia. The UU PPRT, which combines strict formal industrial thinking with a familial approach full of dialogue, is seen as an important breakthrough. “If it solely adopted an industrial mould, domestic workers would have to go through various formal recruitment, training, placement, and reporting mechanisms,” said Willy.
With the UU PPRT in place, Willy believes Indonesia will be increasingly respected in its international relations. This is because the worker protection at the core of the UU PPRT’s regulations will serve as a specific assessment for other countries that also recruit many domestic workers from Indonesia.
“Starting today, the protection of our domestic workers both at home and abroad will apply equally. The minimum standards of treatment that must be provided by foreign recruiters will also follow the minimums of the UU PPRT. This is a victory for humanity.”