The Guardian view on domestic workers: Indonesia shows that, against the odds, they are fighting for their rights | Editorial

Domestic workers are used to hard graft for minimal reward. But in Indonesia, more than two decades of activism has finally paid off. Last month, the country’s parliament passed legislation classifying them as workers, ensuring that they are entitled to health insurance, days off and pensions. It also outlaws hiring under-18s for such jobs. For more than four million people, this is a significant step forward. The challenges go far beyond Indonesia. There are around 75 million people in the sector worldwide, experiencing “lower wages, fewer benefits and fewer legal or social protections than other workers”, says the International Domestic Workers Federation. Three-quarters of them are women. Because they work in people’s homes they are isolated, and many get little or no time off. That makes them particularly vulnerable to abuse by employers and particularly hard to organise. Accommodation is often grim and food inadequate. As many countries face increasing care needs due to ageing populations, a growing number of these workers are migrants, including around 3 million Indonesians, mostly in Asia or the Gulf. Those working abroad are especially vulnerable. Exorbitant fees from job agencies put them in debt bondage, they are far from friends and family, and language barriers make it harder to seek help. Employers often hold their identity documents, and their visas may be tied to a particular household. One expert described the kafala sponsorship system in many Gulf states as giving a “veneer of legality to slaveholding”. While only a few dozen countries have ratified the 15-year-old International Labour Organization convention setting out minimum standards for domestic workers, it catalysed organising, and has helped to ensure more people are covered by legislation, however imperfect. Social media is also helping to raise awareness and coordinate action among physically isolated workers. Campaigners have one advantage: they are not challenging big corporates in the same way as other trade unions. Indonesia’s new law allowed the government to say that it was advancing workers’ rights without facing down powerful vested interests. But politicians themselves are far more likely to have staff than to have worked in other people’s homes. Activists say Indonesia’s example shows that persistent lobbying of individual legislators is critical. So is helping workers to share their stories. Recognising domestic workers as employees, outlawing excessive agency fees and guaranteeing rest days are essential steps. Destination countries need to provide shelters and clear channels to seek help as well as improving rights. Those that export labour can do more to protect and support their nationals before and after migration. And while the interests of migrant and local workers are often seen as in competition, their advocacy can be complementary. Activists say pressure from South Korean employees concerned about having their pay and conditions undercut has helped to improve policies for migrant workers, with a path to residency rights. Even where laws are difficult to enforce, their existence can help to change attitudes. Indonesia’s new legislation should not have taken so long, and compromises had to be made on the way. It is, nonetheless, an important reminder that domestic workers not only need protection, but will fight for it despite the obstacles.