Ensure the Fulfillment of Women Workers Rights and Safe Spaces
Commemorating International Workers' Day 2025
“Ensure the Fulfillment of Women Workers' Rights and Safe Spaces”
Jakarta, May 1, 2025
In commemoration of International Workers' Day on May 1, 2025, the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) expresses its appreciation for the resilience of women workers in various sectors who continue to contribute amidst various challenges. Komnas Perempuan calls on the government and businesses to strengthen efforts to realize justice, prosperity, and gender equality in the world of work, as well as to ensure a safe, violence-free, and inclusive work environment. Women workers are not just a part of the workforce, but a vital foundation for national economic development and equitable social transformation.
Komnas Perempuan recorded 2,702 cases of violence against women workers throughout 2024. This data demonstrates that the workplace is far from safe for women, and that gender-based violence remains a serious problem that has not been addressed systematically. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by the economic crisis, which not only threatens the continuity of employment but also increases the psychosocial and economic burdens on women workers.
Ministry of Manpower data recorded 77,965 cases of layoffs in 2024, an increase of more than 20% compared to the previous year. The most impacted sectors — the manufacturing industry (including textiles and garments), services, and trade — are sectors traditionally dominated by women workers. While comprehensive disaggregated data is not yet available, this trend confirms that women are once again the most impacted group, facing economic uncertainty, workplace violence, and double burdens in daily life.
“In 2025, Komnas Perempuan received complaints from labor unions regarding a wave of layoffs, wage discrimination, and its impact on household crises. Working women were forced to cut back on basic necessities, lose access to education and healthcare, and face a decline in their families’ quality of life," explained Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Irwan Setiawan.
“The implementation of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS) in the workplace is urgent. Komnas Perempuan’s 21-year Annual Notes on Violence against Women (CATAHU) study documented various instances of sexual violence occurring in private companies, government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the entertainment industry. As much as 20 companies were reported for being unresponsive, or even refusing to process reports of sexual violence by women workers. This demonstrates the urgency of a safe, responsive complaint mechanism that protects women workers from sexual violence,” added Commissioner Devi Rahayu.
Komnas Perempuan highlights the importance of fair legal protection and social security for women workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers (PRT), who are vulnerable to violence and even death while working. The absence of protective regulations, due to the pending ratification of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), exacerbates their situation, exposing them to exploitation and modern slavery practices. The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) must immediately take measured steps to expedite the ratification of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill and ensure that all workers, without discrimination, receive equal protection.
“There is no fair work without protection for domestic workers. The state is obligated to ensure their rights by passing the Domestic Workers Protection Bill. We call on the House of Representatives and the government to immediately discuss and pass the Domestic Workers Protection Bill as a concrete form of protection from ongoing exploitation and violence,” concluded Irwan.
Contact Person: Elsa Faturahmah (081389371400)
