DPR Commission IX Explains Why Labour Protection Bill Discussions Have Been Closed to the Public

Commission IX of the DPR, alongside the government, has agreed to bring the Bill on Labour Protection to a plenary session to be ratified into law. Commission IX explained the reasons why discussions within the working group (panja) have frequently been conducted in closed sessions.

“Yes, during the working group process, because we are still drafting the articles to consolidate this into a single regulation, it is still following a dynamic process. Therefore, it cannot yet be [made public],” said the Chairperson of the Working Group for the Labour Protection Bill, Putih Sari, at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (5/10/2026).

Putih, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson of Commission IX, expressed concern that the uncertain contents of the Bill could lead to differing interpretations. Consequently, the details will be opened to the public only after the Bill has been officially passed.

“Why is this closed? Because we are worried that if it were open, what has not yet been finalised might lead to different interpretations of the issues within the community. That is why we are waiting for its legalisation first before presenting it to the public,” she stated.

Putih noted that the drafting of the Bill is being conducted optimistically and has undergone various stages, with all forms of input and aspirations having been received.

“Although we may not have reached a point of perfect balance yet, with everything that has been discussed, we are optimistic that this will serve as a regulatory foundation that represents the interests of all parties,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, stated that the discussion of this Bill has undergone a lengthy process. Yassier,li expressed hope that the Bill would advance the nation’s industry.

“In my view, what we have produced together is the best possible outcome. We certainly hope this will become a new legacy. We want to realise advanced industry and worker prosperity,” said Yassierli.

However, Yassierli did not provide specific details regarding the contents of the Bill. He mentioned that the details could be discussed following the DPR plenary session.

“Regarding the content, since the plenary session is tomorrow, I believe it is better that we discuss it in the next session once it has been approved,” he remarked.

Previously, Commission IX of the DPR and the government agreed to proceed with the Labour Protection Bill to the plenary session for ratification into law. This decision was reached during the Level I decision-making working meeting for the Labour Bill.