Jakarta, June 27, 2024 – Indonesia’s parliament has unveiled new legislation aimed at enhancing support for families through extended maternity and paternity leave provisions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the country’s stunting rate, targeting a reduction to 14 percent by the end of 2024. The government emphasizes that these measures are crucial for improving family health outcomes and ensuring better care for mothers and children.
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, the country’s stunting rate was 21.6 percent in 2022, marking a decade-low.
Under the newly proposed law, mothers in the workforce will benefit from significant enhancements to maternity leave entitlements. Following childbirth, mothers will be granted three months of paid maternity leave, with an extension to six months if their newborn requires special medical care as certified by a doctor. During this period, the first four months will be fully paid, followed by the fifth and sixth months paid at 75 percent of their regular salary.
Employers are mandated to incorporate these provisions into employment contracts without deducting more than 50 percent of an employee’s salary during maternity leave, safeguarding financial stability for new mothers.
Previously, Indonesia’s Labor Law stipulated a three-month maternity leave, evenly distributed before and after childbirth.
The legislation also addresses the needs of employees experiencing miscarriage, who will receive an additional 1.5 months of leave, extendable with a medical certificate.
In terms of paternity leave, male employees are entitled to two days off initially, with the option to extend this by an additional three days. They are also granted two days of leave in the event of a miscarriage, acknowledging the importance of support during difficult circumstances.
Moreover, the new law empowers breastfeeding mothers to negotiate flexible working hours with their employers, promoting a supportive and accommodating work environment.
To further facilitate breastfeeding, workplaces are required to provide adequate support such as health services, lactation rooms, and daycare facilities. This initiative aligns with promoting exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months of age.
Indonesia’s latest legislative efforts represent a significant stride towards supporting family health and well-being. By expanding maternity leave, introducing paternity leave, and ensuring workplace accommodations for breastfeeding, the government aims to nurture healthier families and achieve its targets in reducing child stunting rates.