Domestic workers have the right to receive fair treatment

Fair treatment for domestic workers is in accordance with the principles of humanity and justice, recognized in the employment law system.

”Domestic workers are unsung heroes. They contribute to taking care of their families and society. We must respect and fight for the rights of domestic workers.” (Soekarno, 1 May 1963)

Soekarno greatly respected his domestic worker, namely Sarinah, by making her an inspiration and symbol for Indonesian women. The book Sarinah and the construction of the Sarinah Mall building are a manifestation of Soekarno's love and respect for domestic workers as is the existence of the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers (RUU PPRT) At the moment.

Soekarno was very progressive with his thinking about domestic workers, which was ahead of his time. In 1963, Soekarno referred to domestic workers as workers (not helpers) and asked the entire nation to fight for their rights as workers. Meanwhile, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released Convention No. 189 on domestic workers, which was ratified in 2011.

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Soekarno did not need to wait for a series of disheartening numbers about the poor fate of domestic workers to give them a dignified position as workers. However, a sense of humanity and a desire to realize social justice were Soekarno's driving forces in referring to domestic workers as workers.

It was to PRT Sarinah that Soekarno was grateful (not to Marhaen) because Sarinah had become the first madrasah for him to love little people. This love for the people then enabled Soekarno to interpret his meeting with Marhaen which gave birth to the ideology of Popular Nationalism or Marhaenism before it was finally called Pancasila.

In his speech on Labor Day, May 1, 1963, Soekarno emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in building the nation. He called on all Indonesian people to work together and help each other, including in fighting for the rights of domestic workers.

There is no data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) that we can refer to in calculating the contribution of domestic workers to the national economy. However, a 2010 World Bank study stated that domestic workers contribute approximately 2 percent of Indonesia's GDP. Another study by the ILO in 2015 found that domestic workers contribute about 7 percent of the total workforce in Indonesia.

In Indonesia, without domestic workers, UMKM industries and small food shops will collapse. The presence of domestic workers is significant for household, regional, and national economies. The presence of domestic workers clearly increases household income because spouses are not burdened by domestic roles and can pursue careers in the public sector. Original Article: Kendala dalam pembangunan Indonesia, seperti kendala perekonomian yang belum merata, pertumbuhan ekonomi yang belum berkualitas, dan lain-lain. Maka dari itu, Indonesia memerlukan adanya perubahan dalam berbagai aspek untuk mempromosikan kemajuan dan perkembangan yang berkelanjutan. English Translation: The obstacles in Indonesia's development, such as uneven economic obstacles, poor quality economic growth, and others. Therefore, Indonesia requires changes in various aspects to promote sustainable progress and development.

Soekarno called domestic workers "unsung heroes" who contributed to the daily lives of society and the nation.

The income of domestic workers, which is always below the minimum wage, has also driven consumption in their rural areas of origin. Moreover, sending "remittances" to domestic workers' families has been able to save them from the threat of extreme poverty.

The existence of domestic workers also significantly helps other poor families, for example families of industrial workers or food stalls, to stay within the poverty line. For domestic workers, their multitasking role (caring for children, caring for the elderly, looking after home assets, as well as cooking, washing clothes, cleaning) also plays a role in reducing family expenses because domestic workers are cheap labor.

Soekarno referred to domestic workers as "unsung heroes" who contribute to the daily lives of the community and nation. Therefore, he emphasized that domestic workers are entitled to a decent life and fair treatment.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Ani (28), one of the domestic workers who has experienced violence, joined the Civil Coalition for the Domestic Workers Protection Law in a protest in front of the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (21/12/2022).

Justice for domestic workers

Fair treatment for domestic workers is treatment that is in accordance with the principles of humanity and justice. The most important thing is recognition of the existence of domestic workers within the national labor law system.

Acknowledging the profession of "domestic worker" will enable domestic workers to obtain normative rights as workers, especially protection from the state. In accordance with the ILO Convention No. 189 of 2011 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, it provides minimum standards of protection for domestic workers worldwide.

The ILO Convention No. 189 regulates various aspects, such as basic rights of domestic workers, including the right to respect, reasonable working hours, rest time, decent wages, and social security. The convention also reminds domestic workers of their rights to protection against bad practices, such as violence, harassment, and human trafficking.

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In addition, the convention also regulates the role of private employment agencies to operate ethically and not harm domestic workers. Unfortunately, until now, the state has not been present in managing the welfare of domestic workers, despite the Domestic Workers Network continuously reporting new victims falling every day.

The mandate of ILO Convention No. 189/2011 has been responded to in the Domestic Workers Bill, making it a response to Soekarno's desire as expressed in his speech on Labor Day on May 1, 1963. Our love and respect for Soekarno is by obeying and implementing his teachings and orders, including his wishes for the fate of domestic workers.

The issue of air pollution is not new. The situation of the community being threatened by air pollution has long been apparent. There is ample research evidence showing the dangers of air pollution. However, these facts have not yet driven significant efforts in controlling air pollution. Consequently, residents are increasingly suffering from the effects of air pollution. The government has demonstrated good intentions by sending a presidential letter and a list of inventory problems for the Draft Law on Small and Medium Enterprises (RUU PPRT) on April 21, 2023. However, the Chairman of the House of Representatives has yet to respond. The legislative process for the RUU PPRT has stalled again on the Chairman of the House of Representatives' desk, after he previously halted the process on July 15, 2020, until March 2023.

The role of society

Soekarno, in his speech on Labor Day, May 1, 1963, also called on the community to unite and help each other in fighting for the rights of domestic workers. Not only because domestic workers are an important part of society and play a significant role in daily life, but also because of the mandate of the second and fifth principles of Pancasila.

Sarinah, a domestic worker who worked in Soekarno's house for years, was also a friend and trusted person of Soekarno. Sarinah accompanied Soekarno through thick and thin, and she always supported his struggles for Indonesia's independence.

Sarinah accompanied the growth of young Soekarno and took care of his household, raising his children, and even in his political struggle. Sarinah and other domestic workers are unsung heroes for Soekarno and the nation.

As stated by Soekarno, we also believe that domestic workers have the right to a decent life and fair treatment. We must unite and help each other to fight for the rights of domestic workers.

The public can convince and encourage the Chairman of the DPR to continue the legislative process for the PPRT Bill which he stopped in April 2023.

Sarinah and domestic workers in general are known for their loyalty, dedication, and hard work. Domestic workers are indeed unsung heroes who deserve our respect.

The basis of respect for domestic workers is not only based on the mandate of the second principle "Fair and Civilized Humanity" and the fifth principle "Social Justice for All Indonesian People". Respect for domestic workers is also based on the 1945 Constitution, Article 28D paragraph (2) which states that "Every person has the right to work and to receive fair and decent treatment and remuneration in employment relationships".

The community can persuade and encourage the Chairman of the House of Representatives to continue the legislative process of the PPRT Bill that has been halted since April 2023. The community can also participate in various activities carried out by the Civil Society Coalition for the PPRT Law.

The coalition is mobilizing support for the petition for the Speaker of the DPR via link https://chng.it/mpym8qGR65. In addition, the coalition will also mobilize a letter to be sent to the Speaker of the DPR under the coordination of Perempuan Mahardika https://www.instagram.com/mahardhikakita?igsh=MThkeXFtY2FvOXBpaA==.

Also read: Social and Legal Facts of Domestic Workers' Employment Relations

Meanwhile, the domestic workers who are members of the union have been carrying out daily protests at the front gate of the parliament for more than a year, in both hot and rainy weather, morning, noon, or night. Even during the fasting month, the campaign is intensified, including performing tadarus (reciting the Quran) ahead of Eid.

Our commitment to the values of humanity and social justice must be measurable. Soekarno's call for justice for domestic workers must also be answered. The ratification of the Domestic Workers Law must be fought for as a form of political commitment to these demands.

The Civil Coalition invites public participation in campaigning, both on the ground and in the virtual world through social media, for the Speaker of Parliament to immediately pass the PPRT Law before October 1, 2024. If not, the fate of domestic workers will deteriorate and Soekarno's desire to achieve social justice will be further neglected.

Eva Kusuma Sundari,Director of the Sarinah Institute; Member of Commission XI DPR for the 2014-2019 Period

DOK. PRIBADI

Eva Kusuma Sundari