Indonesian Regulations for Helpers and Domestic Workers
Hiring a helper or domestic worker in Indonesia can be life-changing for many families—both local and foreign. But whether you’re employing someone part-time, full-time, or live-in, a common question arises: What are the official regulations I need to follow? ⚖️
The challenge is that many families operate informally, without clear agreements or understanding of legal responsibilities. This often leads to confusion, miscommunication, or even unintentional labor violations—especially for foreign residents or expats unfamiliar with Indonesian domestic worker laws.
The good news? You don’t need to be a legal expert to do things right. With a basic understanding of Indonesian regulations for helpers and domestic workers, you can build a respectful, fair, and professional working relationship.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the current rules, common practices, and important tips to ensure your household runs smoothly—and stays compliant with Indonesia’s evolving domestic labor standards ✅
Table of Contents
Understanding the Legal Status of Helpers in Indonesia
In Indonesia, helpers and domestic workers—often referred to as Pekerja Rumah Tangga (PRT)—have a unique employment status. While they play an essential role in many households, they are not always formally recognized under standard labor laws like employees in offices or factories.🧹
Currently, domestic workers are not yet fully protected under Indonesia’s general labor law (UU Ketenagakerjaan). However, the government has issued guidelines through local manpower offices (Dinas Ketenagakerjaan) to encourage fair and respectful treatment.
Although there isn’t a nationwide regulation that strictly mandates contracts or wage levels for domestic helpers, several provinces and cities, including Bali and Jakarta, have local guidelines on minimum wages, working hours, and conditions of employment.
The government continues to work on a national law specifically for domestic workers in Indonesia, aiming to provide better protection, structure, and rights. Until then, it’s up to employers—especially foreign residents—to take initiative by applying fair, ethical, and transparent practices in their homes 🏠⚖️
Are Employment Contracts Required by Law?
In Indonesia, employment contracts for domestic workers are not strictly required by national law—but they are highly recommended, especially in areas like Bali where many expats and international families employ live-in or part-time helpers 📝👩🍳
While the Indonesian labor law doesn’t formally regulate domestic helpers the same way it does factory or office workers, the government encourages families to create a written agreement. This helps both the employer and the helper understand expectations, duties, and rights clearly from the start.
A simple contract should include:
Working days and hours
Main duties and responsibilities
Salary and payment schedule
Time off (weekly, public holidays, etc.)
Termination terms or notice period
Even a basic written agreement creates clarity, avoids misunderstandings, and shows that you take the working relationship seriously. For foreign employers, having a contract is also helpful when applying for visas or residence permits that involve employing domestic workers in Indonesia.
In short: contracts aren’t mandatory—but they are one of the best ways to protect everyone involved 💛
Working Hours, Breaks, and Time Off Rules
Although Indonesian labor law doesn’t formally regulate working hours for domestic workers, fair scheduling is encouraged by local manpower offices and NGOs who advocate for better standards in the household sector 🕐💤
Here’s what’s generally considered respectful and reasonable for helpers in Indonesia, especially in family homes:
⏰ Working Hours
Most full-time live-in domestic workers in Bali start their day around 7:00 or 8:00 AM and finish by 5:00 or 6:00 PM, with regular breaks. Overtime hours should be discussed and compensated fairly.
🧃 Breaks During the Day
Helpers should have time to rest between tasks, enjoy meals peacefully, and take a break in the afternoon, especially if they are working long days or dealing with young children.
🗓️ Time Off
Weekly Day Off: Many employers provide one full day off per week—commonly Sunday.
Public Holidays: Some families offer time off during national holidays, especially for religious observances.
Annual Leave: If your helper has worked with you for more than a year, it’s kind (and encouraged) to offer a short paid break or bonus leave.
Respecting your domestic worker’s time builds a more sustainable, loyal, and productive relationship—while staying aligned with Indonesia’s push for improved domestic labor conditions 💛
Social Security (BPJS) and Worker Protection
In recent years, the Indonesian government has been encouraging employers to register domestic workers for basic social security benefits through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, the national employment insurance program 🛡️
While registration is not yet mandatory for private household employers, it is strongly recommended, especially for full-time or long-term helpers. Enrolling your helper in BPJS provides basic protection, including:
Work accident coverage
Life insurance
Old-age savings
Healthcare support (if also registered with BPJS Kesehatan)
The monthly fee for BPJS Ketenagakerjaan is relatively low—typically under IDR 20,000 per month—and can be paid easily through mobile apps or at convenience stores.
Offering this kind of protection not only shows that you value your helper, but it also gives them a safety net in case of emergencies. In a place like Bali, where many workers rely on daily income, BPJS adds real peace of mind for both the worker and the employer 💛
What About Foreign Employers Hiring Helpers?
If you’re a foreign resident or expat living in Bali, Jakarta, or elsewhere in Indonesia, you might wonder: Can I legally hire a domestic worker? The answer is yes—but with a few important considerations 🌍👩🍳
📝 No Formal Work Visa Required for Helpers
Domestic helpers in Indonesia typically do not work under a formal work permit (KITAS). However, foreign employers hiring Indonesian nationals for home assistance are expected to treat them fairly and follow local labor practices, even if informal.
🛂 For Foreign Helpers: Not Allowed
Hiring foreign domestic workers (e.g., bringing in a nanny from abroad) is generally not permitted in Indonesia. Only Indonesian citizens are allowed to work as domestic helpers inside the country, unless special legal arrangements are made.
📄 Contracts Are Especially Important for Expats
As a foreigner, creating a clear written agreement is strongly advised. It protects both you and your helper and helps avoid misunderstandings due to cultural or language differences.
💡 Additional Tip: Keep Records
Save salary receipts or transfer proofs, list agreed duties, and clarify working hours. These small steps show responsibility and can help you if questions arise during visa renewals or community checks.
Being a responsible foreign employer in Indonesia helps build trust with your helper—and with the local community 💛
Rights and Responsibilities of Domestic Workers
Although domestic workers in Indonesia are often hired informally, they still have basic rights—and understanding these helps you be a fair and respectful employer 👩🍳📋
✅ Common Rights of Domestic Workers in Indonesia:
Fair and timely payment based on agreement
Safe and respectful working environment
Rest time and days off, especially for live-in helpers
The right to keep their personal documents, such as ID cards or ATM cards
Freedom from verbal, physical, or emotional abuse
These aren’t just ethical standards—they reflect growing public awareness and local government recommendations across Bali and Indonesia.
🔁 What About Responsibilities?
In return, domestic workers are expected to:
Complete agreed duties reliably
Maintain honesty and care in their work
Respect household privacy and boundaries
Communicate if they need changes in schedules or time off
When both employer and worker understand their rights and responsibilities, the result is a smooth, respectful relationship that benefits the whole household 💛
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Legal Trouble
Many families—especially foreigners new to Indonesia—hire domestic workers with good intentions but accidentally overlook key practices that could cause problems later. The good news? These issues are easy to avoid with awareness and a little planning ⚠️📄
❌ Mistake 1: No Written Agreement
Not having even a simple contract can lead to misunderstandings over duties, payment, or working hours. A basic written agreement helps protect both sides.
❌ Mistake 2: Underpaying or Delaying Wages
Even without formal wage laws, paying less than the local standard or not paying on time can damage trust and reputation. Always agree on fair and timely compensation.
❌ Mistake 3: Taking Documents (like IDs or ATM cards)
Some employers hold onto a helper’s documents “for safety,” but this is considered a violation of personal rights and can create legal risk.
❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring Breaks and Days Off
Overworking a helper without rest or holidays may lead to burnout—and could be reported as unfair treatment.
By learning the basics of Indonesian regulations for domestic workers, you avoid these mistakes and create a more stable, respectful working relationship in your home 💛
FAQs About Indonesian Domestic Worker Regulations
Q1: Is it illegal to hire a domestic worker without a contract in Indonesia?
A: No, but a written agreement is strongly recommended for clarity and fairness. ✍️
Q2: What is the standard working schedule for helpers in Bali?
A: Most full-time helpers work 8–10 hours a day, with breaks and one day off per week. ⏰
Q3: Do I have to register my helper with BPJS?
A: It’s not mandatory for private homes yet, but enrolling in BPJS is encouraged and very affordable. 🛡️
Q4: Can a foreigner legally hire a domestic worker in Indonesia?
A: Yes, foreigners can hire Indonesian helpers, but they must follow local customs and laws. 🌍
Q5: Is it okay to deduct salary for small mistakes?
A: No. Deductions should never be used as punishment. Open communication is the better path. 💬