"I think that it is a good idea to ensure maternity rights for women workers," the commission's chairperson, Andy Yentriyani, noted here on Friday.
However, the commission said that, should the idea be implemented, there must be an assurance that it will not affect women's careers, given that they will be on leave for half a year.
The bill also states that, while on maternity leave, workers would still need to be paid, Yentriyani noted.
The bill states that during the first three months of the leave, the workers will receive 100 percent salary, and during the next three months, they will get 70 percent salary, she said.
The commission realizes that there will be many challenges in the implementation of this regulation.
For instance, if a worker goes through several pregnancies, she will need long-term maternity leave, which can affect the company where she is employed.
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Therefore, the commission has urged the government to make an effort so that companies that employ women become capable of executing the regulation.
The commission has also asked that the idea be discussed by considering the possible challenges to its implementation.
Yentriyani also emphasized the importance of other family members' involvement in realizing the prosperity of mothers and children.
While the bill provides for six-month paid maternity leave for women, it does not stipulate leave for fathers in detail, she noted.
The commission believes that, while there will be many challenges that will emerge during the discussion of the Mother and Child Prosperity Bill, the DPR will receive many inputs from various parties to complete the bill.
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Translator: Anita Permata D, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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