Domestic Workers Protection Bill Sets Minimum Age for Household Workers at 18 Years

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The government and the DPR have agreed that the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) should set the minimum age for domestic workers (PRT) at 18 years. This regulation was initially proposed by the government through the Secretary General of the Ministry of Manpower, Cris Kuntadi, in response to the draft RUU PPRT, which originally stipulated a minimum age of 18 years or already married. “DIM Number 53 letter a, minimum age of 18 years or already married. The government’s response is to change the substance of letter a to: ‘minimum age of 18 years’. Explanation, in accordance with statutory provisions, namely (1) Law No. 20 of 2002 on Child Protection as amended by Law No. 35 of 2014; and (2) Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower,” said Cris in a meeting with the DPR’s Legislation Body, on Monday (20/4/2026). “How about it, Sir/Madam, do we agree? So, the provision ‘or already married’ is concerning as it might include those aged 16 or 15 years. Therefore, starting today, after this Law is enacted and binding, the age must be 18 years. Agreed?” “Agreed,” responded the meeting forum. Nevertheless, before Bob could bang the gavel, DPR Legislation Body member from the PDI-P Faction, I Nyoman Parta, requested that the point be discussed again. He explained that domestic workers who are already married but under 18 years old before the Law takes effect could still be accommodated, while those not yet married must follow the new provision. “The essence is we agree, but this is our idealisation, the field reality is that there are indeed children under 18 who have passed, it must be regulated,” said Cris. Cris added that the minimum working age rule of 18 years is fundamentally already regulated in the Manpower Law. “Regarding transitional provisions, when this Law begins to apply to PRT who are already married but under 18 years before this Law applies, they remain as PRT. Proposed,” said Nyoman. Bob emphasised that the age restriction of 18 years is an effort to enforce the law and protect children. He also assured that further arrangements regarding existing conditions can be discussed in other provisions without conflicting with applicable laws.