DPR Leadership Highlights Misuse of Fixed-Term Employment Contracts: Permanent Work Should Not Be Contracted
Jakarta - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, has highlighted the practice of misusing Fixed-Term Employment Contracts (PKWT), which are often used for permanent jobs.
The PKB politician stressed that permanent jobs should not be operated under a contract system for workers.
“What must be underlined is that PKWT should be used for jobs predicted to be completed within a certain period, such as construction projects, new product launches, or seasonal work, not for permanent jobs,” said Cucun in his official statement on Friday (1/5/2026).
According to Cucun, field practices show that PKWT is often exploited as a probationary period or performance evaluation for workers before they are made permanent employees.
Cucun emphasised that the use of PKWT should be limited to one-time completed jobs, not for positions with career progression or ongoing in nature within the company.
“Although PKWT can indeed be extended for several years, companies must still comply with all existing rules,” he said.
In addition, Cucun reminded that contract workers still have rights that must be fulfilled by the company.
These rights include compensation when the contract ends or when it is extended or terminated early.
“Contract workers, including under PKWT, also have rights that must be fulfilled, including compensation money when the contract ends, and every time the contract is extended or terminated early,” he said.
Therefore, continued Cucun, justice for workers must continue to be fought for, especially amid changes in work structures that create uncertainty, including for contract workers and the informal sector.
“Issues of outsourcing and protection for contract workers up to informal sector workers like online motorcycle taxi drivers need to be read in the context of changes in work structures that have so far created uncertainty for workers,” he said.
Cucun assured that the DPR is ready to escort every labour demand to support the improvement of worker welfare.
“The Employment Bill will be discussed by the DPR in the session period after this recess,” said Cucun.
In closing, Cucun extended congratulations on Labour Day to all workers in Indonesia and hoped that the 2026 May Day commemoration would run smoothly.
“Happy celebrating Labour Day 2026 to all workers in Indonesia. All workers, both in the formal and non-formal sectors, both permanent workers and daily or seasonal workers, deserve protection and welfare guarantees,” he concluded.