The Legislative Body of the Indonesian House of Representatives Holds an FGD on the Draft Bill for Domestic Worker Protection at Udayana University

Denpasar – The Legislative Body (Baleg) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the dr. AA Made Djelantik Meeting Room, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University (Unud) Sudirman Campus, Denpasar, Wednesday (July 2, 2025).

This FGD was conducted to gather input for drafting the Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) from the community and relevant stakeholders. Participants included representatives from local government, PKK organization management, academics and students from the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), as well as domestic worker agencies and domestic workers themselves.

The FGD also featured several resource persons, including Prof. I Dewa Gede Palguna (Faculty of Law, Unud), Dr. I Made Anom Wiranata (FISIP Unud), Gusti Ayu Agung Yuli Marhaeningsih, SE., SH (LBH APIK Bali), Luh Putu Anggreni, SH (Lentera Anak Bali Foundation), and Alvonso Novika (Jagat Bali).

The Vice-Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information, Prof. I Putu Gede Adiatmika, delivering a speech on behalf of the Rector of Unud, stated that the issue of protecting workers’ rights is a fundamental issue in national development. Unfortunately, attention to domestic workers—who are closely involved in our daily lives—has yet to receive adequate legal recognition. Data shows that millions of domestic workers, mostly women and many of them still minors, work under conditions that do not meet decent labor standards. They lack legal certainty, social protection, or clear employment contracts, making them highly vulnerable to exploitation.

In fact, domestic workers play a vital role in supporting household activities, which indirectly sustain the productivity of the broader economy. Therefore, the state must be present to provide equal legal protection for these workers.

“The Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) is our joint commitment to build a just and civilized society. This bill not only protects domestic workers but also provides legal certainty for employers and placement agencies, ensuring working relationships are based on mutual respect, professionalism, and dignity,” said the Vice-Rector.

He further conveyed that Udayana University welcomes the organization of this FGD as an academic and contributive dialogue forum. We hope this forum can explore field practices, philosophical, juridical, and sociological perspectives, as well as other strategic inputs for the perfection of the bill’s substance.

The Vice-Rector hopes the FGD will produce constructive and meaningful formulations for advancing labor protection in Indonesia, especially for domestic workers who have so far lacked adequate legal recognition.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Legislative Body of DPR RI, Dr. Bob Hasan, SH., MH, in his speech, expressed that this meeting is important and noble, particularly in supporting and advocating for the interests of domestic workers. Representing Baleg, he appreciated Unud for hosting the DPR RI Legislative Body’s working visit team in drafting the Domestic Worker Protection Bill.

He further explained that Article 27, Paragraph 3 of the 1945 Constitution mandates that every citizen has the right to work and a decent livelihood for humanity. This is further clarified in Article 28B, Paragraph 1, which states that everyone has the right to recognition, guarantees, protection, and fair legal certainty, as well as equal treatment before the law. Paragraph 2 stipulates that everyone has the right to work and receive fair and proper remuneration and treatment in employment relationships. This mandate is also reinforced by Article 28I emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the right to life.

Factually, domestic workers tend to be vulnerable to discrimination, harassment, and dehumanization. Two of these discrimination and harassment are regulated under the Criminal Code (KUHP), but the dehumanization aspect is a critical issue being addressed in the effort to enact the Domestic Worker Protection Law.