PKB Faction: Domestic Workers Protection Bill is Constitutional Mandate, Not a Gift

Jakarta — The spokesperson for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PKB) faction in the House of Representatives, Abdullah, has stated that the proposed Domestic Workers Protection Bill (PPRT) constitutes a constitutional mandate and not merely a political concession.

He explained that the PPRT, now officially registered as a parliamentary initiative from the House of Representatives, represents state acknowledgement of millions of domestic workers who have long remained invisible, rather than ordinary political dynamics. According to him, further delays in enacting this legislation would amount to allowing the state to fail in its obligation to protect the most vulnerable citizens.

“Further delays are no longer ordinary political dynamics, but rather potential state failure in fulfilling the constitutional mandate to protect the most vulnerable citizens. This is recognition of the constitutional rights of domestic workers,” Abdullah stated in Jakarta on Thursday.

He highlighted that the majority of domestic workers are women who have historically worked in private spaces without legal certainty or protections.

One crucial point championed by PKB is the mandatory reporting requirement for domestic workers to local neighbourhood administrative units (RT/RW) or villages. This administrative step aims to ensure that no domestic worker operates “below the radar” and remains vulnerable to exploitation.

Abdullah added that the work flexibility historically justified by claims of “familial relationships” must be constrained by clear minimum protections. “Family relationships cannot be used as a reason to deny domestic workers their status as employees. Basic rights such as humane working hours, fair wages, and rest time must still be guaranteed within a framework of fair and dignified work,” he stated.

According to him, PKB views social protection for domestic workers as an entry point for strengthening Indonesia’s care economy, given that domestic work forms the backbone enabling millions of other citizens to participate in the formal sector.

Additionally, he emphasised the importance of vocational training for domestic workers without imposing costs on workers themselves, and integration with education policy to enhance social mobility for domestic worker families.

“Social protection for domestic workers is a strategic national mandate. They are the foundation supporting the labour force participation of millions in the formal sector. Recognition of their contribution is part of Indonesia’s economic roadmap for the future,” he concluded.

With its current status as a parliamentary initiative, he urged the government to accelerate joint discussions to ensure the legislation is swiftly enacted, providing comprehensive legal protection for these domestic workers.