Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Reminds Companies To Pay THR On Time: Workers Must Get Their Rights

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani appealed to the company to immediately pay holiday allowances (THR) for its workers. Puan asked the company to pay attention to the Government's appeal so that THR payments are made no later than seven days before Eid.

"In accordance with the regulations, THR for workers must be paid in full and on time, no later than one week before Eid. Workers must get their rights," said Puan, Monday, March 24.

The regulation is contained in the Circular (SE) of the Minister of Manpower Number M / 2 / HK.04.00 / III / 2025 concerning the Implementation of the Provision of Holiday Allowances or THR for workers.

It is stated that THR disbursement must be carried out in full or not in installments with a deadline of D-7 for Eid Al-Fitr 2025.

Puan also highlighted the sanction policy for companies that violate the THR payment rules as stipulated by the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker). In this regulation, companies that are late in paying THR are only subject to a fine of 5 percent of the total THR that must be paid.

Meanwhile, for those who do not pay the THR at all, administrative sanctions such as written warnings and restrictions on business activities are imposed. According to Puan, this policy is still not strong enough to protect workers' rights.

"The 5 percent fine is not a nominal value for large companies that have large capital and high profits," said Puan.

Puan assessed that light sanctions could be an opening for entrepreneurs to prefer to pay fines rather than fulfill their obligation to give THR to workers on time.

"This has the potential to harm millions of workers who rely heavily on THR as additional income to meet the needs of their holidays and families," said Puan.

"The 5 percent fine for companies that are late in paying the THR is only a partial solution that is not enough to solve employment problems in Indonesia," he added.

Puan also asked the government to be more courageous in enforcing strict rules. This is to ensure justice in the employment system.

In addition to the timely THR payment, Puan also pays attention to justice in the amount of workers' wages. According to him, justice wages also urge the government to immediately handle them.

"We cannot turn a blind eye, there are still many workers in Indonesia who receive low wages and are not comparable to the increasing cost of living. Not to mention the large gap between workers' wages and the profits earned by the company," explained Puan.

Puan also encouraged the government to pay attention to workers' needs in the midst of economic challenges. Puan understands that the government is currently trying to issue pro policies for workers.

However, it takes more approach that can ensure workers' rights are fulfilled. Moreover, the current situation is very difficult for the middle class where many workers are also included in this category," said Puan.

"It must be remembered, the policy related to wages for workers is closely related to the issue of people's welfare. So fair wages must be a top priority, not just the application of fines that are insignificant for big companies," continued Puan.

Puan emphasized that the big agenda that must be a priority of the Government is to guarantee wage justice for all workers and expand job opportunities for quality workers.

"Don't let the THR issue cover a bigger problem, namely how the state is present to ensure that all workers get a decent and dignified life," he said.

On the other hand, Puan highlighted the big challenges faced by job seekers in Indonesia. Although many workers have good skills and qualifications, the fact is that there are still many people who experience difficulties in getting a decent job.

"This condition shows an imbalance in the labor market which must be addressed immediately by the government," said Puan.

Puan also encouraged the Government to accelerate policies that support wider and quality job creation. He reminded that investment must be directed in productive sectors that can absorb a lot of workforce.

"We also hope that regulations that support the justice of the business climate and protection for the workforce must be strengthened so that workers not only get jobs, but also get proper welfare," said Puan.