Ministry of Human Rights Emphasises Implementation of Domestic Workers Protection Act to Safeguard Domestic Workers
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Human Rights has affirmed the importance of effectively implementing the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT) to ensure real protection for millions of domestic workers in Indonesia.
This follows appreciation from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the enactment of the UU PPRT by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia on 21 April 2026, which is seen as a strategic step in strengthening the domestic labour protection system, while preventing discriminatory practices, exploitation, and violence.
Special Staff to the Minister of Human Rights for Human Rights Fulfilment, Yosef Sampurna Nggarang, in his statement in Jakarta on Monday, said the regulation affirms the state’s position as the primary duty bearer in fulfilling human rights.
“The enactment of the UU PPRT is a concrete form of strengthening the state’s role as the primary duty bearer in fulfilling human rights,” he stated.
He added that this act serves as an important milestone because, for the first time, domestic workers are recognised as formal workers with comprehensive legal protection.
The Ministry of Human Rights also emphasised that the substance of the UU has been aligned with international human rights standards, encompassing principles of justice, non-discrimination, and protection for vulnerable groups such as women and children who dominate the domestic sector.
On the implementation side, the government is pushing for strengthened supervision, public education, and cross-sector coordination so that the regulation does not stop at the normative level.
“Effective implementation of the UU PPRT through supervision, public education, and strengthened cross-sector coordination is necessary to truly impact improvements in working conditions and the welfare of domestic workers,” said Yosef.
The Ministry of Human Rights affirmed that it will continue to oversee the implementation of the UU through cross-sector coordination and strengthened public literacy to ensure the creation of fair, equal, and dignified employment relationships.
This step is expected to ensure that human rights protection is not just a legal norm but is truly felt by domestic workers throughout Indonesia.
Previously, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani assessed the enactment of the UU PPRT as an important breakthrough for protecting more than four million domestic workers in Indonesia.
Shamdasani said Indonesia’s new Domestic Workers Protection Act marks a breakthrough in protecting more than 4 million domestic workers, the majority of whom are women.
She also emphasised the importance of immediate implementation so that the protection is effective in the daily lives of workers.
“It is very important for the government to promptly implement this act so that its protection is real and effective in the daily lives of domestic workers,” she said.
The UU PPRT regulates various important aspects, from recruitment schemes, education and training, rights and obligations of workers and employers, to social security for health and employment in 12 chapters and 37 articles.
OHCHR also encourages other countries in the Southeast Asia region to take similar steps in strengthening domestic worker protection.