Labor Protection Law Approved to Improve Worker Safeguards

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has approved the enactment of the Labor Protection Bill into law, emphasizing strengthened oversight as a mechanism for worker protection and the enforcement of labor laws.

Minister of Manpower Yassierli represented the President of Indonesia at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Plenary Session and announced the enactment of the Labor Protection Bill.

"This bill unifies and harmonizes norms that were previously scattered, often leading to uncertainty, and fundamentally reinforces the pillars of labor protection, making them far more equitable," he said, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The government believes the bill strikes a balance between protecting workers' fundamental rights and ensuring business continuity.

Minister Yassierli said that labor oversight would become more professional, independent, responsive, and proactive. Labor inspectors' authority would increase regarding inspections, data collection, and issuing corrective orders.

Supervision is also being optimized by strengthening labor inspectors in accordance with each region's specific needs. The needs are determined by proportionally considering the number of workers and companies in each region.

"Strengthening the authority of inspectors is intended to address violations of labor norms effectively," he said.

Law enforcement is being reinforced with proportionate, tiered sanctions. According to Minister Yassierli, these sanctions aim to deter repeat violations and ensure compliance. They are also legal certain and sustainable.

The law also mandates the formation of a labor supervision committee and allows for oversight by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR). In addition to supervision, the Labor Protection Bill establishes occupational safety and health (OSH) as a fundamental right of workers, which employers must guarantee.

OSH protection is implemented through an integrated occupational safety and health management system within the workplace. The regulations focus on managing workplace accidents, as well as risk prevention and hazard control.

Minister Yassierli said that strengthening OSH is part of the effort to maintain a balance between the rights and obligations of workers and employers within industrial relations. (Misni Parjiati-EN)