JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM - Manpower Minister Yassierli emphasized that the Employment Protection Bill represents an important step toward ushering in a new era of labor law in Indonesia. The bill not only strengthens the rights of workers and employees but also expands protection for job seekers, participants in vocational training programs, and apprentices. At the same time, it is intended to respond to changes in forms of work in the future.
Yassierli made the statement on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, when he represented the President of the Republic of Indonesia in delivering the government's final position on the
Employment Protection Bill during a plenary session of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) in Jakarta.
According to Yassierli, the bill provides an opportunity to consolidate and harmonize various labor regulations that have previously been scattered across several laws and regulations. The government and DPR RI are also seeking to establish a legal framework that provides legal certainty while maintaining a balance between worker protection and sustainable economic development.
"This bill not only consolidates and harmonizes labor regulations that were previously scattered across various laws and regulations, but also strengthens the foundation of
worker protection so that it can better respond to the dynamics of the world of work. This is precisely what is intended to become part of a new era of
Indonesian labor law,"
Yassierli said.
Implementing the Constitutional Court Ruling
Yassierli explained that the drafting of the bill was a consequence of the Indonesian Constitutional Court Decision No. 168/PUU-XXI/2023. During the joint deliberation process with the
DPR RI, the government sought to establish regulations that would provide legal certainty while strengthening the balance between the interests of workers and the economy.
One of the key areas strengthened under the bill is the protection of workers' and employees' rights by guaranteeing equal opportunities and equal treatment in all areas of working life.
The principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination are intended to apply throughout various stages of employment, from recruitment and remuneration to career development and the employment relationship itself. The government considers these principles to be the foundation for providing every person with fair opportunities in the world of work.
"Worker protection must fundamentally ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to work and develop themselves. Therefore, the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination, and respect for the dignity of workers are important components of the legal framework we are building," Yassierli said.
In addition to strengthening existing labor standards, the bill also contains several new provisions. The government is seeking stronger professional competency certification through the National Professional Certification Agency, the integration of labor-related data and information between the central and regional governments, as well as regulations concerning provisions for severance payments.
The bill also prohibits employers from withholding certificates and personal documents during the recruitment and placement of workers. This provision is part of efforts to strengthen worker protection from the earliest stage of entering the world of work.
EQUAL TREATMENT AND RESPECT FOR WORKERS' DIGNITY: Manpower Minister
Yassierli emphasizes the importance of equal treatment, non-discrimination, and respect for workers' dignity within the labor law framework. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Press and Public Relations Office/Kemnaker)
Responding to New Forms of Work
Yassierli said that the increasingly dynamic world of work requires legislation capable of adapting to change. For this reason, the
Employment Protection Bill expands the scope of protection to cover flexible forms of employment. The measure is intended to respond to the emergence of new types and forms of work in line with future developments in the labor market, or what is commonly referred to as the Future of Work.
These changes concern not only the forms of employment relationships but also competency requirements, recruitment, career development, and the ways in which workers and employers manage their employment relationships.
The government is also strengthening protection for groups that require special attention. These include women workers and employees, persons with disabilities, job seekers, participants in vocational training programs, and apprentices.
Through the expanded scope of protection, the government aims to ensure that the labor law framework keeps pace with changes in the characteristics and structures of the world of work while providing legal certainty for workers and businesses.
"The world of work never stops changing. Therefore, labor law must also continue to evolve with these changes. We need regulations that guarantee protection, legal certainty, and justice while at the same time giving the economy room to grow and adapt," he said.
ROOM FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH: Manpower Minister Yassierli explains that labor regulations must keep pace with changes in forms of work while also giving the economy room to grow and adapt. (PHOTO: Ministry of Manpower Press and Public Relations Office/Kemnaker)
Government Appreciates
DPR RI Contribution
During the presentation of the government's final position, Yassierli expressed his appreciation to the leadership and members of the DPR RI who were involved in deliberating the Employment Protection Bill. He extended particular appreciation to Commission IX of the DPR RI and the Working Committee on the Employment Protection Bill.
According to him, the bill is the result of joint efforts by the government,
DPR RI, and various other stakeholders who contributed throughout the drafting and deliberation process.
The government hopes that once the bill is enacted into law, the new legal framework will strengthen employment relations in Indonesia. The regulation is also expected to contribute to making employment relationships fairer, more productive, and more adaptable while responding to the challenges of the future world of work.
"This bill is the result of joint efforts. We hope that once enacted into law, the new legal framework can serve as the foundation for employment relations that are increasingly fair, productive, and adaptable, while addressing the challenges of the future world of work," he concluded.
The move also underscores the government's commitment to building a labor law system that not only focuses on protecting workers' rights but also takes into account economic development and changes in forms of work. Through this approach, labor regulations are expected to provide greater legal certainty for all parties within Indonesia's employment ecosystem. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala