DPR Passes PPRT Law, Ending 22 Year Wait for Protection of Domestic Workers

The House of Representatives (DPR) officially passed the Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) into law during a plenary session at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Tuesday (April 21, 2026). This ratification marks a new chapter in legal protection for millions of domestic workers (PRT) in Indonesia, who have been working without adequate legal protection. 

 The plenary session was chaired by House Speaker Puan Maharani, accompanied by the deputy speakers. Of the 578 DPR members, 314 were present and unanimously approved. The gavel ratified the bill into law. "Can the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers be passed into law?" Puan asked during the session. "Agreed," the council members replied in unison.

The government, represented by Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas, welcomed the ratification. He stated that the Domestic Workers Law aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to strengthen protection for domestic workers. "This is a joy for the government. The President has also stated from the outset that this bill be completed immediately," Supratman said.

Kartini Day Momentum and Ideological Victory

The ratification of the Domestic Workers Law coincided with Kartini Day, which is considered a powerful symbol of women's struggle. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sari Yuliati, called this moment an "ideological victory" for Indonesian women.

According to her, this law represents state recognition of domestic work, which has long been marginalized. "The state has finally provided legal certainty for those who work in silence without protection. This is a step to restore the dignity of domestic workers," she said.

This law regulates various important aspects, from contract-based employment relationships, rights to wages, social security, and protection from violence. Furthermore, the recruitment of domestic workers must now go through official mechanisms, either directly or through licensed placement companies.

Within the substance of the law, domestic workers now have a number of rights that were previously unclear. One crucial point is the regulation of humane working hours.

The Domestic Workers Law emphasizes that working hours must be fair, reasonable, and non-exploitative, taking into account the worker's physical and mental condition. Furthermore, the employment relationship between domestic workers and their employers must be outlined in an agreement covering wages, working hours, and holiday allowances.

The scope of work for domestic workers is also defined in detail, encompassing tasks such as cooking, laundry, babysitting, caring for the elderly, and even driving. This aims to prevent uncontractual work practices that often harm workers.

Furthermore, this law guarantees domestic workers' access to social security, health insurance, and employment benefits, as well as opening up opportunities for vocational training to improve their skills.

Tears of Emotion and a Long Struggle

Behind this ratification lies the story of a long struggle by domestic workers and activists. Suranti (55), a domestic worker who attended the plenary session, could not hold back her tears.

She admitted that she had been participating in demonstrations for years to push for the ratification of this bill. "I've been on the streets day and night, in the heat. Thank God, today I can see it ratified firsthand," she said, her voice trembling.

Litta Anggraini, Coordinator of the National Network for Advocacy of Domestic Workers (JALA PRT), called this ratification the result of 22 years of struggle since the bill was first proposed in 2004.

"Today marks a new chapter for the welfare and equality of domestic workers in Indonesia," said Litta.

The journey of the Domestic Workers Bill has been long and winding. After being proposed in 2004, the bill only entered the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) in 2010. Deliberations stalled during the 2014–2019 House of Representatives (DPR) term and were postponed again in 2021.

Continued pressure from civil society ultimately pushed the DPR and the government to expedite deliberations, leading to ratification in 2026. Now, with the ratification of the Domestic Workers Law, the government is expected to go beyond regulation and ensure effective implementation on the ground.

Oversight will involve the central and regional governments, as well as communities at the neighborhood level (RT/RW) to prevent violence and exploitation of domestic workers.

The ratification of the PPRT Law is an important milestone in the history of Indonesian employment. After decades in the informal sector without protection, domestic workers are now recognized as workers with rights guaranteed by the state. (The Dawn)