UU Ketenagakerjaan Terbaru 2026 is Indonesia's updated labor law, effective January 2026, replacing the 2003 law. It introduces stricter protections for workers and new compliance requirements for employers.
The law includes several major updates:
The law operates through a combination of mandatory protections and employer obligations. For example, employers must provide written contracts within 30 days of hiring, and workers gain the right to refuse unsafe tasks without penalty.
| Category | Old Law (2003) | New Law (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Work Hours | 48 hours/week | 45 hours/week |
| Paid Leave | 12 days/year | 15 days/year |
| Remote Work | No provisions | Defined rights and employer obligations |
Many assume the law only benefits workers, but it also provides clarity for employers. For instance, the new remote work provisions specify when employers must cover home office equipment, reducing disputes.
When I visited Jakarta in late 2025, local businesses were already preparing for the changes. A small manufacturing firm told me they were redesigning their schedules to comply with the reduced work hours while maintaining production levels.
For more on how labor laws affect specific industries, see our guide on automotive sector adaptations.