Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Manpower has said that the Domestic Workers' Protection Law (PPRT Law) will give legal certainty and clarity about the duties and responsibilities of workers, employers, and recruiters.

"There needs to be a new regulation at the level of law to protect workers in the domestic sector," the ministry's director general of labor development and supervision and occupational safety and health Haiyani Rumondang said at an online dialogue that was followed online on Monday.

According to her, Law Number 13 of 2003 on Manpower was not able to protect domestic workers. For that reason, the ministry issued Ministerial Regulation Number 2 of 2015.

However, the ministerial regulation was also considered inadequate.

So far, the basic rights of domestic workers regarding wage certainty, social protection, protection for security and comfort at work--both in terms of health and safety, and the right to leave of absence, have not been protected.

"These are what (have been) encouraged to be included in the draft of the (PPRT) bill," Rumondang said.

The law will give certainty to employers regarding clear information about workers, she added.

"Apart from that, employers can also consult with the related institutions to get information as well as (be informed on) how to report and the work contract," she informed.

In addition, for recruiters, the law will regulate the capacity and competency improvement of workers before they are employed so that they can meet the service standards set by employers.

Meanwhile, deputy for the protection of women's rights at the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry Ratna Susianawati said the passage of the PPRT Bill into law would be in line with the mandate given to her ministry, namely reducing violence against women and children.

According to her, domestic workers often experience violence and discrimination at work.

She stated that her ministry is pushing for massive campaigns to encourage domestic workers to summon the courage to speak up if they experience any discrimination or violence.

"We are also encouraging empowerment through training so that domestic workers who work in the country and abroad can avoid violence," she said.


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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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