MP Insists THR Must Be Paid Even After Eid Has Passed

Data from the Ombudsman indicates that in 2026 there were 1,426 complaints related to THR. Findings in 11 provinces show that many companies have failed to fulfil their obligation to pay workers’ THR rights.

According to Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Pulung Agustanto, this signifies weak enforcement of labour laws in Indonesia.

“The Ministry of Manpower needs to be firmer in protecting workers’ rights. Every year, THR issues are not decreasing but the number of cases is increasing,” said Pulung in his statement on Monday, 6 April 2026.

The main problem, according to Pulung, is the absence of clear sanctions for companies that violate THR obligations. Meanwhile, he continued, from the Ministry of Manpower, it is only in the form of circular letters.

“The Ministry of Manpower’s homework now is to ensure companies fulfil their THR obligations to workers. Even though the holiday has passed, THR must still be paid. It is workers’ rights,” he said.

According to Pulung’s observations, the Ministry of Manpower can identify regions where THR cases remain high every year. “This means the local Manpower Offices are negligent. This must be material for evaluation by the Ministry of Manpower,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Manpower could issue dispensations to companies in THR policies. Considering the company’s conditions, for example, by instalments or other dispensations.

“But any dispensation must not exempt companies from paying THR. Obligations remain obligations,” he said.

However, he questioned, from various THR cases every year, what sanctions have ever been imposed on naughty companies. Moreover, he continued, on companies whose names enter the problem list every year.

“The Ministry of Manpower must have data on which companies repeatedly violate THR rules every year. If repeated, it means the company is intentional. No good faith,” he stated.

Therefore, Pulung proposed compiling an SOP for sanctioning companies that violate. In addition, the THR complaint and resolution system must be improved. Systemic improvements are also needed, inter-ministerial regulations, and discipline in implementing rules in the field.

“For supervision, the Ministry of Manpower needs to release the names of violating companies. So that the public can carry out control,” said Pulung.