Empowering over 4 million domestic workers, Indonesia’s household service sector has long been a vital source of employment. However, these workers, predominantly women, have faced a distinct lack of legal protections and are exposed to various forms of discrimination and violence. With the hope of achieving long-overdue reform, domestic workers across major cities in Indonesia have initiated hunger strikes, urging the government to take concrete action.
Indonesia’s labor laws have failed to explicitly recognize domestic workers as part of the formal labor sector, depriving them of essential benefits such as minimum wage and social security. Despite occasional progress in addressing certain issues, including domestic violence and child protection, these workers still lack comprehensive protection. The proposed Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill (PPRT) aims to rectify this situation by providing domestic workers with the same legal recognition and rights as other workers. This bill reflects the dire need for written contracts, defined scope of work, designated rest days, fair salaries, and stricter penalties for acts of violence.
Efforts to pass the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill date back to 2004, but progress has been minimal. President Joko Widodo expressed his concern over the vulnerable position of domestic workers and emphasized the importance of legislative action. Despite such urgency, the bill has been repeatedly put on hold, leading activists to resort to hunger strikes as a means of pressuring lawmakers. The unpredictable pace of passing laws for people’s rights compared to laws benefiting the privileged adds to the frustration expressed by many advocates.
Disappointingly, the reasons behind the delay in enacting the bill remain unclear. However, some speculate that lawmakers might not prioritize its passage due to a lack of personal gain. Meanwhile, concerns arise that the approaching general elections in 2024 might shift focus away from domestic worker issues altogether. This heightened sense of neglect underscores the indispensable role that domestic workers play in society, keeping households functional while others pursue their ambitions.
Hunger strikes have become a desperate yet effective means for various groups and individuals in Indonesia to draw attention to their causes. Frequently, these acts of protest have compelled officials to reconsider their stances and take action. By participating in hunger strikes, the domestic workers aim to amplify their voices and gain support from the wider public, hoping that their collective efforts will finally push for the enactment of the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill.
Indonesia’s domestic workers have tirelessly persevered in their struggle for long-overdue rights and recognition. The urgent need to pass the Domestic Workers’ Protection Bill cannot be understated. Prompt action to safeguard domestic workers would not only establish fair labor practices but also uphold the principles of human rights and social justice. As the hunger strike continues, it remains crucial to support and amplify the voices of these workers, who uphold essential societal functions and deserve the legal safeguards their labor merits.
Market Capital Research 