Indonesian minister urges stronger maternity and reproductive rights

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi emphasized the importance of strengthening protections for female workers by upholding their reproductive and maternity rights and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace.

"The passage of the Employment Protection Law is a crucial step toward ensuring female workers receive comprehensive protection and rights," Arifah said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

The minister commended the substance of the Employment Protection Law, noting that it reflects the principles of inclusivity, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity for women in the workplace.

She added that strengthening protections for female workers includes safeguarding reproductive and maternity rights at every stage, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and recovery following miscarriage.

Meanwhile, the provision of facilities and leave for workers has been aligned with the Law on the Welfare of Mothers and Children during the First 1,000 Days of Life (KIA Law).

These provisions include lactation rooms and facilities, menstrual leave, maternity leave, and miscarriage leave, along with the fulfillment of wage rights.

The protections also prohibit restrictions and discrimination based on marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, and miscarriage, while barring pregnant workers from high-risk or hazardous jobs.

Arifah emphasized that equal opportunities must also extend to training, skills development, work assignments, and career advancement, including equal pay for equal work.

"Fulfilling the rights of female workers must be supported by a safe work environment. Therefore, preventing workplace violence and harassment is essential," she stressed.

She added that these efforts must include enforcing zero tolerance for violence and sexual harassment, as well as providing easily accessible internal grievance mechanisms for workers.

The minister highlighted that creating a family-friendly work environment is vital to ensuring women can continue working safely.

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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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