The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has officially approved the Bill on the Protection of Domestic Workers (PPRT Bill) into law. The decision was reached during the 17th plenary session of the fourth sitting period for 2025–2026 on Tuesday, April 21.
House Speaker Puan Maharani presided over the session, which concluded with unanimous approval from the lawmakers. The passage follows the finalization of the bill’s problem inventory list (DIM) by the House Legislative Body (Baleg) just one day prior.
A Framework for Legal Certainty and Welfare
The new law establishes worker protections based on a foundation of justice, welfare, human rights, legal certainty, and family values. It specifically guarantees that domestic workers will have access to employment and health social security.
To ensure professional standards, the law requires prospective workers to complete vocational education and training. This training may be provided by licensed placement agencies, regional administrations, or the central government.
Regulating Recruitment and Agency Conduct
The legislation governs both direct and indirect recruitment mechanisms. Indirect recruitment is managed through domestic worker placement agencies (P3RT), which are permitted to operate via online and offline channels.
Under the new regulations, these agencies must be registered as legal entities and obtain business licenses from the central government. Placement agencies are strictly prohibited from imposing fees on workers or deducting from their wages.
Exemptions and Oversight
The law clarifies that certain individuals are not categorized as domestic workers, specifically those assisting with household tasks based on religious, educational, customary, or kinship ties.
Additional exemptions apply to individuals under the age of 18, as well as those who were already married and working as domestic workers before the law’s enactment. However, the law stipulates that the rights of these individuals remain recognized.
To prevent violence against workers, supervision of placement services will be conducted by regional and central governments. This oversight may also involve community-level institutions.
Next Steps for Implementation
The government is now required to issue the necessary implementing regulations. These regulations must be produced within one year after the law comes into force.
The effectiveness of the law’s protections may depend on how these upcoming regulations define the roles of community-level institutions and the specific mechanisms for government supervision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is not considered a domestic worker under this law?
Individuals who assist with household tasks based on kinship, religious, customary, or educational ties are not categorized as domestic workers under the law.
What are the requirements for domestic worker placement agencies (P3RT)?
Agencies must be legal entities and obtain business licenses from the central government. They are also prohibited from deducting wages or imposing similar fees on workers.
When will the implementing regulations be issued?
The government is required to issue implementing regulations within one year after the law comes into force.
How do you think the formalization of domestic work will impact the relationship between employers and workers?
