Indonesia has recently passed a significant bill extending maternity leave from three months to six months. The new law aims to support maternal and child welfare, as well as to address issues like stunting by promoting breastfeeding and close bonding between mother and child during the early months of life (HRPolicy) (Indonesia Expat).
Mothers are entitled to three months of full pay, followed by an additional three months at 75% pay. This policy aims to support maternal and child health, contributing to the government's efforts to combat stunting and improve early childhood care.
The bill also includes provisions for fathers, granting them 40 days of paternity leave, a substantial increase from the previous two days. This change reflects a growing recognition of the role fathers play in early child-rearing and aims to promote gender equality in parenting responsibilities (Indonesia Expat) (HRPolicy) (theindonesia.id).
Key Details of the New Law:
- Maternity Leave Duration:
- The new law extends maternity leave to six months.
- The first three months are at full pay, and the following three months are at 75% pay (HRPolicy) (Indonesia Expat).
- Paternity Leave:
- Paternity leave is also extended from two days to 40 days, recognizing the importance of fathers' involvement in early childcare (HRPolicy).
- Miscarriage Leave:
- The leave period for women who experience a miscarriage has been increased from three or four days to one and a half months (HRPolicy).
- Application Date:
Implications for Indonesian Companies:
- Financial Impact:
- Some business groups, such as the Indonesian Employers Federation, have raised concerns about the financial burden this law might place on companies, particularly small and medium enterprises recovering from the pandemic (HRPolicy).
- Workplace Adjustments:
- Discrimination Concerns:
- There are fears that the extended leave might lead to hiring biases, with companies potentially favoring male candidates over female candidates to avoid the costs associated with the extended maternity leave (HRPolicy).
Overall, while the new law aims to improve the welfare of mothers and children, companies will need to navigate the logistical and financial challenges associated with these extended leave provisions.
