Joyful Tears from Domestic Workers in Parliament as PPRT Bill Becomes Law: Thank You, O God
Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) has ratified the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (PPRT) into law. Domestic workers present at the ratification could not contain their happiness.
One of the domestic workers in attendance, Suranti (55), wept with emotion and expressed delight at the passage of the law. She has been actively involved in the struggle through demonstrations to get this law enacted.
“I am so happy and grateful. I was out front day and night, enduring the heat,” said Suranti at the DPR building in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
“I have probably been doing this since 2015, yes that’s right. I was impressed yesterday when I entered here with Mr Aditya. I went up. Thank you so much, sister, O God, I am so happy. Oh my God, O God,” she added.
Coordinator of the National Advocacy Network for Domestic Workers (JALA PRT), Lita Anggraini, also expressed gratitude for the enactment of the PPRT Law. Lita stated that she has been fighting for this for 22 years.
“Today, after 22 years of struggle with so many difficulties, actions, lobbying, campaigns, all the hardships we have undertaken for the PPRT Law, for millions of domestic workers who are mostly women and work behind the scenes, who advance the national economy,” said Lita.
Lita described the law as a new chapter in eliminating behaviours that harm domestic workers. She noted that there are still government regulations needed for the implementation of the PPRT Law that must be pursued.
“The journey is still long because there are still government regulations that we must chase for the implementation of this law,” she said.
“So this is a day to be grateful for on Kartini Day, a momentum for the domestic workers who have been the unseen Kartinis, and a momentum for Labour Day because domestic workers are part of the workforce,” she added.
The ratification of the PPRT Bill into law took place in the plenary session room of the DPR in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (21/4/2026). The PPRT Bill was officially enacted as law around 11:30 WIB.
The DPR session was chaired by Speaker Puan Maharani, accompanied by Deputy Speakers Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, and Saan Mustopa. The plenary session was attended by 314 members out of 578 DPR members from all factions.
“The time has come for us to request the approval of the factions on the Domestic Workers Protection Bill. Can it be approved and enacted as a law?” asked Puan.
“Agreed,” responded the House members, accompanied by Puan’s gavel strike signalling the ratification.