Paternity Leave and Its Regulations in Indonesia

Paternity leave is an important but often ignored employee benefit in Indonesia. While maternity leave is common, paternity leave is still becoming popular.

Understanding these points can help companies create a more inclusive work environment. Read on to learn about the key regulations and reasons for offering paternity leave in Indonesia.

To date, paternity leave provided by companies in Indonesia is not widely known among employees. While maternity leave for female employees is standard, what about paternity leave for fathers? Does Indonesian labor law address this issue?

In Indonesia, paternity leave has been discussed since 2017, driven by some companies adopting this policy. Companies increasingly recognize that parental leave should be available not just to women but also to men who play the role of the family head.

Paternity leave is regulated under the Labor Law No. 13 of 2003 but is distinguished from maternity leave. It is not considered a rest period but rather a leave of absence with full pay for specific reasons. The maximum duration of this leave is two days.

To understand the regulations and reasons for providing paternity leave, here is a detailed explanation:

In addition to the Labor Law, formal regulations on paternity leave are outlined in the State Personnel Agency (BKN) Regulation No. 24 of 2017. Unfortunately, this regulation only applies to civil servants (PNS). According to BKN, male civil servants can apply for paternity leave to accompany their wives during childbirth.

The application must be submitted at least one month before the due date. This leave is categorized as important leave (CAP), which means an authorized absence for a predetermined period.

The government's support for this policy aims to give both male and female civil servants the opportunity to care for their families. In private companies, however, paternity leave is determined by the company's internal policies.

There are several reasons supporting paternity leave:

Supporting Wives During Childbirth

The presence and support of the husband can help the wife stay calm and positive during childbirth, especially if medical complications arise. A husband's presence can reduce tension and provide moral support.

Preventing Depression and Baby Blues

New mothers may experience depression or baby blues due to the heavy responsibilities of caring for a newborn and managing household tasks. These conditions can negatively impact the mother and her interactions with the baby. A husband on paternity leave can help care for the baby and reduce the wife's burden, making her feel supported and less isolated.

Supporting Early Child Development

Paternity leave allows fathers to spend time supporting their child's early development. A strong father-child bond from birth contributes to stable emotions and a strong personality in the child. While mothers typically teach love and empathy, fathers often instill discipline, courage, and responsibility.

Increasing Employee Loyalty

Adequate paternity leave demonstrates a company's commitment to the health and well-being of its employees' families. This can enhance employee loyalty and performance. Paternity leave can also boost employee engagement by making fathers happier in their new roles.

These are the regulations and reasons companies should consider when providing paternity leave. If your company wants to offer longer paternity leave than mandated, ensure the policy benefits employees without disrupting business operations.

What is paternity leave?

Leave granted by the company to allow male employees to assist their wives after childbirth.

Is there maternity leave for husbands?

The government will grant leave rights to husbands whose wives give birth or have a miscarriage.

How long is paternity leave?

The government has regulated the right to "paternity leave" in Indonesia under Labor Law No. 13 of 2023. It states that fathers/husbands are entitled to two days of leave to accompany their wives during childbirth without a salary deduction.

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Explore deeper knowledge:

• Maternity Leave Rules for Employees in Indonesia

• Indonesia's Employment Contract Essentials

• Indonesia's Working Hours and Overtime Regulations

• Hiring Employees in Indonesia: Employment Laws and Regulations

• Payroll System in Indonesia: Rules, Regulations, and Compliance

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