Edition 4: DPR Drafts Regulation for 6 Month Maternity Leave
DPR Drafts Regulation for Six Month Maternity Leave
Source: Gabriel Tovar / Unsplash
The People’s Consultative Assembly (DPR) is currently discussing proposals to raise mandatory maternity leave from three months to six months.
Presently, maternity leave is governed by Law No. 12/2003 on Manpower, stipulating that a woman’s both pre-natal and post-natal periods may last up to three months.
The provision will be a part of the Welfare of Mothers and Children Bill (RUU KIA) which will be among the priority bills discussed by the DPR this year. The Bill is being pushed forward by Puan Maharani, Speaker of the DPR and someone touted to be a potential candidate at the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Elections.
The Bill will mandate six month paid maternity leave for women, their full salaries for the first three months, and 70% of their salary for the remaining three months. It will prohibit the termination of employees who are on maternity leave.
The Bill will also introduce a provision that mandates a 1.5 month leave for women who suffered a miscarriage.
The Bill has been met with support as a step towards the creation of progressive policies covering women's rights in the country.
Commentators think that the Bill will give women a sense of comfort, security, as well as protection from all sorts of assault and discrimination at work.
Furthermore, rearranging the maternity leave period is deemed as critical to ensuring the growth and development of infants as well as the recovery of women following delivery.
However, many have also warned that the Bill may result in discriminatory hiring towards women.
Historically, many companies in Indonesia have ignored provisions for maternity leave despite regulations being set in place. The Bill may also compel companies to shrink the job pool for women in a bid to avoid paying maternity leave.
Do you guys think that this new proposed bill will be a good idea to raise equality in Indonesia? Write down your opinions in our Pen Pal section!
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Pen Pal
Q: (22M). Rn im working a full time job and studying. My gf is in another city also studying. But bcs of my job, i dont have as much time as before to talk with my gf. And she also has new friends so she also doesnt have as much time as before.(but she's having fun) She is now thinking about going on a break with me, but i dont want that. I dont know what i should do. Advice pls. Btw weve been together for 3 years
A: Unfortunately, “not having time” shouldn’t be an excuse. Love is a feeling, but the relationship is a commitment. You have to commit to communication; try to make it feel like reaching out is a daily habit and necessity. If she’s not engaging as much, make time to take the first step and reach out instead. Let her know that you still care, and that you don’t want a break. If you love each other, you will have no problem manoeuvring through this. You’ll understand when either one is away yet making the time to always update each other even from afar!
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