Gender Equality in the Indonesian Labor Market: Participation, Wages, and Legal Protection

Abstract

Gender equality in the Indonesian labor market still faces challenges in the form of disparities in labor force participation, wage gaps, occupational segregation, and limited protections for female workers. This study aims to analyze the factors causing gender inequality in female labor force participation and wages, as well as to examine the capacity of Indonesia’s legal framework to provide protection and ensure equality for female workers. The study employs a descriptive method, utilizing secondary data from a literature review and primary data obtained through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The analysis considers the legal framework established under the 1945 Constitution, Law No. 7 of 1984 on the Ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower, Government Regulation No. 36 of 2021 on Wages, and Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Decree No. KEP.224/MEN/2003 concerning the obligations of employers employing female workers at night. The results indicate that gender inequality is linked to social constructs, the division of domestic roles, limited education and skills, occupational segregation, and the predominance of women in the informal sector. Although Indonesia has legal instruments that guarantee nondiscrimination, equal treatment, wage protection, and specific protection for female workers, their implementation still faces various obstacles. Strengthening legal enforcement, access to decent work, and gender-responsive policies are necessary to achieve substantive equality.