Violence against domestic workers (PRT) in Indonesia is a persistent issue. One of the most frequently heard cases is physical torture. As of today, the workers’ fate is yet to be a priority for the government.

The National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) noted in its latest 2022 release that between 2017-2022, the National Advocacy Network for Domestic Workers (JALA PRT) documented at least 2,637 cases of violence. Coordinator of the Civil Coalition for the Protection of Domestic Workers (PPRT) Eva Sundari also said that 10 to 11 domestic workers fall victim to violence each day. The workers suffer from different kinds of violence – including economic, psychological, physical, and sexual.Psychologist Vitria Lazzarini said the impact of violence on victims could be fatal, even leading to death as it affects both physical and mental health.

JALA PRT was formed in 2004 as a forum for discussion and advocacy for domestic workers. Its mission has been to urge the government to pass the Domestic Worker Protection Act (UU PPRT). However, since 2004 the draft has not yet been ratified. Labor observer Tadjuddin Nur Effendi suspects the issue lacks benefits for the stakeholders.

Siti Khotimah is a survivor of abuse against domestic workers. She was scalded with hot water, chained, and locked in a dog kennel after getting caught stealing from the apartment where she worked in South Jakarta. Her family was impacted economically because they had to accompany Siti while she was being treated at the National Police Hospital I R. Said Sukanto, Jakarta.

Despite having facilitated violence against domestic workers for 19 years, JALA PRT has only been able to resolve 17 cases. But they keep trying to gain attention to this issue. They regularly organize Wednesday protests in front of the parliament building to get support from the government and public.