The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower is currently addressing a significant number of worker complaints regarding the payment of Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR), or Eid allowance, ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. As of March 25, 2026, the ministry had resolved 173 cases, with 1,461 complaints still under review.
Complaint Volume and Government Response
Manpower Minister Yassierli has directed governors nationwide to investigate all submitted complaints through the ministry’s THR Command Post and local labor offices. The ministry has already issued 200 performance inspection reports, seven inspection notes, and four recommendations based on the complaints received.
Between March 21 and March 25, 2026, an additional 102 complaints were filed. The total number of complaints recorded since the opening of the THR Command Post reached 2,443 as of March 25, slightly higher than the 2,415 complaints received during the same period in 2025.
Underlying Issues and Potential Outcomes
Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor indicated that disputes over THR payments typically arise from employer non-compliance and financial difficulties. He likewise cautioned that potential layoffs following Eid could lead to an increase in related complaints. According to Afriansyah, the issues surrounding THR are likely to persist annually.
Employers failing to meet THR obligations face potential fines of 5 percent of the total amount owed, as stipulated by Manpower Ministerial Regulation No. 6 of 2016. Further administrative sanctions, including written warnings, restrictions on business activities, and even operational freezes, are possible under Government Regulation No. 36 of 2021 on Wages.
Bob Azam, chairman of the manpower division at the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), echoed the sentiment that compliance and financial constraints are the primary drivers of the annual controversy. He emphasized the importance of stronger dialogue between employers and workers to prevent future disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is THR?
THR, or Tunjangan Hari Raya, is the Eid allowance, a mandatory benefit for private sector workers in Indonesia.
What happens if an employer doesn’t pay THR on time?
Employers that fail to pay THR on time are subject to a fine of 5 percent of the total amount owed and may face further administrative sanctions.
How many complaints has the Ministry of Manpower received this year?
As of March 25, 2026, the Ministry of Manpower had recorded 2,443 complaints regarding THR payments.
Given the ongoing efforts to address these complaints and the potential for further issues, will the Ministry of Manpower’s intervention be sufficient to ensure fair and timely THR payments for all Indonesian workers?
