The Joys and Sorrows of Lebaran Temporary Domestic Workers: Higher Wages but Multiplied Workload

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - While many Muslims return to their hometowns or take holidays during Lebaran, some choose to keep working to maintain their income. Two such individuals are Ernawati (51) and Roskina (43). Both are infal workers or temporary replacements for domestic assistants (ART) during the Lebaran homecoming season. For Ernawati and Roskina, the Lebaran period becomes an opportunity to earn a larger income, even if it means sacrificing time with family. “During Lebaran, I rarely go home. At most, I just video call my distant family for communication. Not going home is normal, especially when the fee during Lebaran is different, higher,” said Roskina when met by Kompas.com at the office of ART distributor PT Dani Mandiri, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Although the wages are higher, Roskina admits that the workload as an infal worker is far heavier than that of a permanent worker. “The work can be twice, even three times as much. Tasks pile up because the employer gives work non-stop. For permanent workers, it’s already routine,” she explained. “Some like it because we’re quick, some because our cooking is delicious. If the employer asks to cook this or that, I make it. The key is not to argue when instructed, just obey, and most importantly, be patient,” she added. Due to her excellent performance during the infal period, Roskina was once offered a permanent ART position by the employer. “The employer once said, ‘Wow, your work is better than my previous ART who is going home for kampung’. I just felt happy,” she revealed. For Roskina, the main key to working as an infal worker is patience and always being ready for requests. “The point is not to argue when instructed, just obey, and most importantly, be patient,” Roskina continued. In line with Roskina, Ernawati, who has been in this field for eight years, emphasises the importance of being an infal worker with high initiative. For her, helping with tasks beyond the main duties is common for infal workers. “If we understand, even if the boss doesn’t instruct, we help anyway. Later, the employer will surely give us extra pay,” she explained.