DPR Baleg says the Domestic Worker Protection Bill will require domestic worker placement agencies to have legitimate status

Jakarta — The Chair of the DPR’s Legislation Body (Baleg), Bob Hasan, said that the Draft Law on Domestic Worker Protection (PPRT) will require agencies that place domestic workers (ART) to have legitimacy in order to strengthen the institutional framework. According to him, the placement agencies must be legally incorporated and officially registered, even though the agency may initially have been established as a foundation. Essentially, he said, this approach reflects the aim of strengthening protection for ART.

“Of course the professionalism exists in a legal form, that is the essence,” Bob said after attending a hearing on the aspirations regarding the PPRT Bill at the Parliament complex in Jakarta, on Thursday.

If we talk about protection, he said, the strengthening must be carried out for every element connected with ART, including their legal standing as well as humanitarian considerations.

For this reason, he said, the DPR will continue to consult with the public and apply a meaningful participatory spirit in the drafting of every law.

He said that input from various parties is important because the PPRT issue is complex, ranging from disputes and protection to wages.

According to him, the Bill is targeted to be completed as soon as possible. Several organisations have urged its swift enactment, as it has been delayed for decades.

“We are conducting an RDP (rapat dengar pendapat) during the recess because of how important it is, since we must draft the bill,” he said.