Indomaret workers feel undervalued over lack of overtime pay during Idul Adha

JAKARTA — Bayu, a 34-year-old employee at PT Indomarco Prismatama (Indomaret), feels undervalued by his company for not receiving overtime pay while working on the Idul Adha holiday, 1447 H.

He stated that he and other Indomaret staff often have to leave their families during religious holidays to serve customers in stores, especially during Eid.

“This month has four public holidays, but only two are paid. Tomorrow is Eid al-Adha, and we’re told to stay open, but no overtime pay — just compensatory leave,” Bayu said when interviewed outside the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) building in South Jakarta on Monday, 26 May 2026.

“We should be able to spend time with our children on Eid, but instead we’re working without overtime pay, which feels like we’re not valued,” he added.

He explained that retail stores like Indomaret typically only allow time for morning prayers on Eid days. After performing the Eid prayer and briefly meeting family, workers must return to open the store.

While stores usually close at 10pm, operating hours are extended by an hour during busy periods.

“Although we’re given time for prayer, we have to be at the store by 10am. And since stores are busier during holidays, closing times are often extended,” he said.

During last year’s Eid al-Fitr in 2026, Bayu said he could not return to his hometown in Pemalang, Central Java, with his wife and child due to work commitments.

He noted this situation occurs almost every year during his tenure at Indomaret.

Bayu believes it is unfair that overtime work on public holidays is only compensated with rest days instead of overtime pay.

Another Indomaret employee, Andre (32), said staff typically receive between Rp300,000 and Rp400,000 in daily overtime pay, depending on their position.

In the current tough economic climate, losing overtime pay and receiving only rest days is deemed inadequate.