In order to emphasize the commitment and efforts to provide protection to Domestic Workers (DW), President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) encouraged the relevant officials to accelerate the ratification of the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers (RUU PPRT). This was conveyed by President Jokowi in a press statement accompanied by Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziah, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, and Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Jaleswari Pramodhawardani. On that occasion, President Jokowi said that he has instructed Minister of Law and Human Rights and Minister of Manpower to immediately coordinate and consult with the DPR and all stakeholders to accelerate the ratification of the PPRT Bill. President Jokowi explained that the number of domestic workers in Indonesia is estimated to reach four million people and are vulnerable to losing their rights as workers. Moreover, it has been more than 19 years since the PPRT Bill has not been passed, so there is no labor law in Indonesia that specifically and firmly regulates domestic workers. Therefore, President Jokowi hopes that the PPRT Law can be enacted soon and provide better protection for domestic workers, employers, and labor brokers.
Urgency of Ratification of PPRT Law
As is known, the PPRT Bill has gone through a long and winding road to become law. Since 2004, this bill has been proposed and in 2009 it was also pushed to be passed. Then in 2019, the PPRT Bill was included in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). Furthermore, in 2020, the DPR Legislation Body agreed that the PPRT Bill would become a DPR initiative, but until now the regulation has not been brought to a plenary meeting. The bill’s fate, which is still hanging in the balance, has great urgency as a legal umbrella for domestic workers who often face discrimination and violence. This is supported by a report from the National Network for Advocacy of Domestic Workers (JALA PRT) which shows that from 2012-2020, cases of violence against domestic workers experienced an upward trend. If in 2012 there were 37 cases of violence, in 2020 it rose to 842 cases. These cases of violence can be in the form of physical, psychological, economic, human trafficking, and often a combination of all (multi-violence). In fact, what domestic workers do not only has a positive impact on their economy, but also their employers. Therefore, it is hoped that with the passing of the PPRT Law, they can enjoy decent working conditions and wages, get social security, and K3 protection.
What are the Benefits of Passing the PPRT Law?
JALA PRT coordinator Anggareni said that with the passing of the PPRT Bill, domestic workers will be recognized as workers. The basic rights and welfare of domestic workers will be regulated in this law to ensure protection and improve quality of life. Not only that, the ratification of the PPRT Law will also bring a number of other benefits such as:
DW Category
The first benefit if this bill is passed is that there will be a categorization of domestic workers into two groups, namely part-time and full-time domestic workers. Due to the wide scope of work of domestic workers, the categorization of domestic workers can also be based on time and workload.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
The PPRT Bill will also regulate more legally enforceable work agreements between employers and domestic workers. These include wages, holiday allowances, working time, weekly rest, leave, training, and working age.
Education and Training for Domestic Workers
A further benefit of passing this bill is that domestic workers will receive education and training prior to employment. In addition to education about their work, they will also be educated to increase awareness and knowledge based on protection. This education and training will be conducted free of charge through a government-facilitated Vocational Training Center. Each prospective domestic worker can access this facility in their area of origin or in their work area.
Dispute Resolution
Later, there will be two options in resolving DW disputes. The first is the deliberation level, and the second is the mediation level. DWs will also be allowed to join labor unions, either as angola, or administrators.
Surveillance
To ensure the protection of domestic workers, the bill will regulate the authority of the Department or Regional Work Unit in the field of labor. They will also be assisted by the local RT/RW.
Work and Service Provider Information
With this law, sources of employment information will be centralized at training centers. Information is planned to be organized so that it can be provided periodically. In addition, service providers that distribute domestic workers will also be banned. They can only manage information on demand for domestic workers, but cannot recruit, provide education and training, and cannot place domestic workers.
Sanctions for Distributors
The last benefit if the PPRT Bill is passed is that there are rules regarding sanctions for distributors if proven to have committed acts of human trafficking, hiring and falsifying identities, rotating, and torturing domestic workers. This is a summary of information about the PPRT Law. It is hoped that the ratification of the PPRT Law can be accelerated soon and can become a legal umbrella that can protect workers, especially domestic workers in Indonesia!
KH Contact
Given that the PPRT Law has not yet been passed, domestic workers’ rights as workers are still very vulnerable to being ignored. This implies the importance of a written employment agreement or work contract between the employer and the domestic worker. This is used to anticipate and protect domestic workers if the employer does not provide their rights as stated in the agreement. So, this employment contract is a clear agreement as the basis for both of them in establishing a working relationship. For this reason, KH Friend needs to be careful if the place you work does not provide a legal employment contract signed by both parties. Because, if there is anything in the work process, KH Friend will not get clear protection. Well, for consultation regarding the contents and making of employment contracts, KH pals can contact Kontrak Hukum.
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