Indonesia recognises rights of domestic workers after 22-year fight

Indonesia’s parliament has passed a landmark law recognizing and protecting domestic workers after more than two decades of advocacy. Until now, many domestic workers were not legally recognized as workers under national labor rules. As a result, millions worked without contracts, legal safeguards, or access to basic benefits leading to labor exploitation and modern slavery conditions for many.  

New rights include rest days, insurance and pensions 

For survivors and advocacy groups, this is an historic moment. It’s the result of a 22-year struggle for dignity and recognition. The new Domestic Workers Protection Law gives domestic workers access to key labor protections. These include health insurance, pensions and guaranteed rest days. 

One domestic worker, Ajeng Astuti, told BBC Indonesia:  

It feels like a dream, this is our 22-year struggle as marginalized women to gain protection. 

In addition to new labor protections, placement agencies will no longer be allowed to deduct wages unfairly. The law also bans the hiring of children under the age of 18 as domestic workers. 

Jumiyem, a domestic worker from Yogyakarta, said  

We’ve been longing for this [law], and now we can feel it. 

Previously, many domestic workers faced extremely harsh conditions with little to no protections. Some worked long hours for low pay. Others entered the workforce while still children. Many had no written agreements with employers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. All of these conditions contributed to a labor environment rife with modern slavery. Now that the law has passed, the government will have to step up. They have one year to create detailed regulations explaining how the law will be enforced in practice. 

Rights groups welcome progress but warn more work ahead 

The recent decision affects an estimated 4.2 million people across Indonesia, nearly 90% of whom are women. And while rights organizations praised the vote, they are quick to stress that passing the law is only the first step. They warned that implementation will determine whether workers truly benefit. Lita Anggraini of the Jala PRT advocacy group said employers will need education about their new responsibilities. Without public awareness, legal rights may not translate into real workplace change.  

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk also welcomed the passage by Indonesia’s Parliament saying: 

After more than two decades of advocacy for stronger legal safeguards, this is a momentous development for domestic workers in Indonesia whose human rights, which most other workers take for granted, will now be enshrined into law.

However, he also warned: 

It is essential that the Indonesian authorities move swiftly to implement this law, in order to make its protections real and effective in the everyday lives of domestic workers across the country.

Importantly, Anggrain’s advocacy group highlighted the scale of abuse still facing domestic workers. Sadly, the group recorded more than 3,300 cases of violence between 2021 and 2024. These included physical abuse and psychological harm. Campaigners say enforcement, monitoring, and public education must now become top priorities.  

More than legislation 

For many workers, the measure is more than legislation. It is a long-awaited acknowledgement of labor that has supported households and the wider economy for generation after generation.  

High Commissioner Türk said: 

Around the world, domestic workers are undervalued, under-protected and under-represented. This is an historic opportunity to turn the tables on this neglect and to protect, respect and honor their invaluable contribution to the welfare of so many people.  

Back in 2004 when the law was first introduced, it repeatedly stalled in parliament and at times discussions were paused for years. Now, after decades of delay, domestic workers in Indonesia have finally received formal recognition under the law. 

You can be part of the solution for domestic workers everywhere by signing our petition to ratify ILO Convention 189 in your home country which would help protect domestic workers wherever they are. 37 countries have already taken this step – help yours be next.