Guide to Hiring in Indonesia

    Asia Pacific
    Leanna Seah

    By Leanna Seah
    September 20, 2024

    Updated
    October 17, 2024

    0 min read

    Everything you need to know when expanding your workforce in Indonesia

    Employment trends and job market analysis

    Businesses in Indonesia are diversifying. The young talents of Indonesia are numerous, focusing on tech and non-tech industries. Much of the local talent pool in the tech industries tends to focus on software and data engineering.

    Those in the non-tech industries focus on media and communications, as well as business development. As of 2021, the literacy rate was 99.81%, with 9.67% of the population over the age of 15 completing their tertiary studies. It is worth bearing in mind that for a developing country, these numbers will only keep rising. 

    Currently, the business climate in Indonesia remains firm. Domestic demands remain strong, and their inflation is under control. The service, agriculture, and industrial sectors are among the best industries to foray into in Indonesia.

    Other industries that are expected to grow rapidly in the coming years include petroleum and natural gas, textiles and apparel, mining, footwear, plywood, rubber, and chemical fertilisers. 

    Capital Jakarta
    Languages spoken Official languages spoken are Bahasa Indonesia and English however, Indonesia is home to more than  800 local dialects including Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Minangkabau, and Balinese 
    Population size 280 million
    Payroll frequency Monthly
    Currency Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
    VAT 11%

    Payroll and taxes

    The following is a summary of the mandatory contributions in 2022: 

    Type of mandatory contribution 

    Employer contributions

    Employee contributions 

    Comments

    Health Security

    4%

    1%

    Up to IDR 12 million/month salary

    Work Accident Security (Jaminan Kecelakaan Kerja or JKK)

    Lowest risk factor - 0.25%


    Low risk factor - 0.54%


    Medium risk factor - 0.89%  


    High risk factor - 1.27%


    Highest risk factor - 1.74%

    N/A

    No maximum monthly salary applies

    Death Security (Jaminan Kematian or JKM)

    0.3%

    N/A

    No maximum monthly salary applies

    Old Age Security (Jaminan Hari Tua or JHT)

    3.7%

    2%

    No maximum monthly salary applies

    Pension Security (Jaminan Pensiun or JP)

    2%

    1%

    Up to IDR 9,077,600 per month - effective as of March 1st, 2022. 


    The retirement/pension age is 58 starting January 1st 2022.


    No current requirement for foreign workers to participate. 

    Unemployment Security (Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan or JKP)

    N/A 

    N/A

    The Indonesian Government pays 0.46% of the employee’s monthly salary up to a maximum of IDR 5 million per month.


    No current requirement for foreign workers to participate. 

    Table 1: Types of mandatory contributions from employers/employees


    Working hours

    A regular work week in Indonesia are 40 hours per week – either seven hours a day for six working days weekly, or eight hours a day for five working days a week. If these hours are exceeded, or if employees are required to work over weekends/public holidays, employers need to provide overtime pay. 

    Overtime hours should not exceed three hours per day and 14 hours per week. 

    Overtime wages can be calculated as follows. 

    Overtime work hours

    Overtime pay calculation

    Overtime on weekdays

    The first hour will be paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate and the succeeding hours at two times the hourly rate

    Overtime on weekly holidays or public holidays

    Companies with five working days: Eight hours at two times the hourly rate, nine hours at three times the hourly rate, and the remaining hours at four times the hourly rate


    Companies with six working hours: During the first seven hours, two times the hourly rate, for the eight hour three times the hourly rate, and for the remaining hours four times the hourly rate 

    Table 2: Overtime hours and wage calculation


    Labour laws

    Here are some key points regarding labor laws in Indonesia that companies expanding their business there should be aware of:

    Employment contracts

    In Indonesia, employment contracts can be either fixed-term or indefinite. Fixed-term contracts are limited to a maximum of two years, while indefinite contracts have no specified end date. A copy of the contract must be provided to both the employee and the manpower authorities.

    Trade unions and collective bargaining

    Indonesian labor law recognises the right of employees to form unions. Companies should be aware of the regulations governing union activities.

    Collective bargaining is allowed, and employers are expected to engage in good faith negotiations with unions.

    Occupational health and safety

    In Indonesia, companies prioritise occupational health and safety (OHS) compliance to ensure a safe and secure working environment for employees. Compliance is typically achieved through a combination of proactive measures, regular training programs, and adherence to government regulations. Employers are required to conduct risk assessments and implement preventive measures to mitigate workplace hazards.

    Companies often establish OHS committees to oversee safety protocols and address concerns raised by employees. These committees play a crucial role in promoting a culture of safety within the organisation. Regular workplace inspections are conducted to identify potential hazards, and companies are expected to promptly address any issues that may compromise employee well-being.

    Moreover, adherence to government regulations, such as those outlined by the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, is crucial. Employers are obligated to provide appropriate safety equipment, conduct emergency drills, and ensure compliance with industry-specific safety standards. In the event of workplace accidents, prompt reporting to the relevant authorities is mandatory. 


    Minimum wage

    According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, the minimum wage in Indonesia increased from IDR 4.42 million per month to IDR4.64 million per month as of 2021. This was enforced on January 1st, 2022 and is still in effect. 


    Employee benefits

    In terms of employment laws, Indonesia uses a civil law system. These laws can be quite stringent to protect the citizens. However,  foreign employers are not required to set up an entity to employ Indonesian citizens. They may be employed directly or through agencies.

    Indonesia’s employment laws, although stringent, are straightforward. According to the Labor Law (Law No 13 of 2003), employers must ensure that their Indonesian employees: 

    • Receive at least minimum wage according to their respective sector and province; 
    • Receive social security – encompassing pension, healthcare, life & accident insurances, and old-age benefits; 
    • Receive one month’s salary as a religious holiday allowance; 
    • Receive statutory absence or payment in lieu if the employee does not exhaust their annual leaves; and 
    • Receive overtime work payment. 

    According to the Manpower Law of Indonesia, employees are obligated to provide several benefits and allowances for their employee aside from fair wages and other statutory requirements, which include: 

    • Healthcare insurance 
    • Pension/retirement benefits 
    • Life and accident insurance 
    • Food and transportation allowance maternity and paternity leave 
    • Paid sick leave 
    • Annual paid leave 
    • Death benefits 

    Supplementary benefits beyond statutory compliance can effectively attract and retain a highly motivated talent force, which in turn translates into an effective workforce. 

    Supplementary benefits that attract the Indonesian talent pool include the following: 

    • Dental and optical care; 
    • Additional time off 
    • Free meals 
    • Flexi hours 
    • Mobile and internet allowance; and
    • Educational assistance for employees and/or their children 

    Employees are also eligible for a yearly religious holiday bonus called Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR), paid out one business week before the religious festivities: 

    • Eid al-Fitr for Muslims 
    • Christmas for Christians 
    • Balinese Hindu New Year for Hindus
    • Wesak Day for Buddhists 
    • Lunar New Year for Confucians 

    Employers who do not pay out this bonus on time are liable to be fined. 

    For those who have facilities for remote workers, there is an opportunity for remote hiring in and to Indonesia. There are talks of granting digital nomads five-year visas, which will not be subject to any taxation on foreign-sourced income. 

    As of now, this is intended to attract tourists to Indonesia where they can work remotely. Those who want to legally work in Indonesia full-time, however, still need to apply for a work permit. 

    As many full-time workers have become remote workers since the advent of COVID-19, this visa may be an attractive benefit for employees who seek work-life balance.  

    Office workers in an office in Indonesia


    Employee rights

    When hiring staff in Indonesia, it is essential to be aware of and respect their fundamental rights, as outlined in the Indonesian labour laws mentioned above. One of the key rights is the freedom of association, allowing staff to form and join trade unions. While union participation is voluntary, companies should recognise and engage in constructive dialogue with unions, fostering a positive industrial relations environment.

    Indonesian labour laws also emphasise the right to collective bargaining. Workers are expected to engage in good faith negotiations with employee representatives regarding employment terms and conditions. This includes discussions on wages, working hours, and other relevant matters. Companies must be prepared to negotiate in a fair and transparent manner to maintain a harmonious relationship with their workforce.

    Employees in Indonesia are entitled to fair and just working conditions. This includes reasonable working hours, and workers must comply with the standard 40-hour workweek. Overtime work is regulated, ensuring that staff are compensated appropriately for additional hours worked beyond the standard schedule.

    Overall, respecting employee rights in Indonesia involves upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal standards. Companies that prioritise these rights contribute to a positive workplace culture, fostering staff satisfaction and productivity.


    Types of leave available

    The Indonesian law has provisions for several types of leaves, including annual, maternity, sick leave and more. 

    Annual leave

    After 12 months of continuous service, workers are entitled to 12 days of paid time off. The number of days they may take off continuously depends on their work agreements or company regulations. 

    Some of the paid leaves for permanent employees are as follows: 

    1. The employee gets married – three days’ paid leave
    2. The marriage of their children– two days’ paid leave
    3. The circumcision of their children– two days’ paid leave
    4. The baptism their children– two days’ paid leave
    5. The employee's partner gives birth or miscarries – two days’ paid leave
    6. The death of a husband/wife, parent/in-law or child  – two days’ paid leave
    7. The passing of a  family member – one day paid leave

    Public holidays

    As stipulated by Indonesian labour laws, employees can take all national public holidays off. If they are required to work on public holidays, they should be compensated with overtime pay.

    Public holidays include:   

    Hari Raya Natal (Christmas Day)

    Holiday

    Date

    Tahun Baru Masehi (New Year’s Day)

    1st January 

    (Tahun Baru Imlek 2574 Kongzili) Chinese New Year 

    Second new moon after the winter solstice 

    Isra’ & Mikraj 

    27th day of the month of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.

    Hari Suci Nyepi Tahun Baru Saka 1945 (Nyepi)

    Varies according to the Balinese calendar 

    Wafat Isa al-Masih (Good Friday)

    The Friday before Easter 

    Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1444 Hijrah (Eid-ul-Fitr)

    Varies based on the lunar calendar 

    Hari Buruh Internasional (International Labor Day)

    1st May 

    Kenaikan Isa al-Masih (Ascension Day)

    40 days after Easter Sunday

    Hari Lahir Pancasila (Pancasila Day)

    1st June 

    Hari Raya Waisak 2567 BE (Wesak Day)

    Varies year to year 

    Hari Raya Idul Adha 1444 Hijriah (Eid-ul-Adha)

    Varies based on the lunar calendar 

    Tahun Baru Islam 1445 Hijriah (Awal Muharram)

    Varies based on the lunar calendar 

    Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia (Independence Day)

    17th August 

    Mawlid Nabi Muhammad SAW (Birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW)

    Varies according to the lunar calendar 

    Hari Raya Natal (Christmas Day)

    25th December

    Table 3: National Public Holidays in Indonesia

    Additional holidays may be considered as part of the employees' annual leave, subject to the discretion of organisations/workers.

    Holiday

    Date

    (Tahun Baru Imlek 2574 Kongzili) Chinese New Year 

    Second new moon after the winter solstice

    Hari Suci Nyepi Tahun Baru Saka 1945 (Nyepi)

    Varies according to the Balinese calendar 

    Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1444 Hijrah (Eid-ul-Fitr)

    Varies based on the lunar calendar 

    Hari Raya Waisak 2567 BE (Wesak Day)

    Varies year to year 

    Hari Raya Natal (Christmas Day)

    25th December 

    Table 4: Additional Public Holidays in Indonesia

    Sick leave

    Absence from work due to illnesses is not to be deducted from the allotted days of an employee’s annual leave. For employees who have a written statement by a qualified doctor, the wages they are to receive are as follows: 

    Percentage of wages paid

    Length of absence

    100%

    The first four months

    75%

    The second four months

    50%

    The third four months

    25%

    Subsequent months 

    Table 5: Length of sick leaves and percentage of wages paid

    People who menstruate are entitled to paid leave on their first and second days of menstruation if their condition affects their job performance.   

    Maternity and paternity leave

    New mothers are entitled to full wages during their maternity leave, including 1.5 months before and 1.5 months after the birth – with certification from a qualified obstetrician or midwife. 

    In the event of a miscarriage, the employee is entitled to 1.5 months of paid leave – with certification from a qualified obstetrician or midwife. 

    The duration of leave before and after birth, as well as miscarriage, can be extended, subject to recommendation by a qualified doctor. 

    Under Indonesian law, new fathers can take off two days after a birth or a miscarriage. They can extend this to one month if they have a doctor's note requiring additional leave for a medical reason.


    Attracting talent

    Retaining talent in the 21st century requires a balance of tangible and non-tangible benefits. Companies need to go a step beyond wages if they aim to attract and retain top talents in their industries. Modern job seekers seek fair compensation and work-life balance and want a sense of belonging, a healthy workplace culture, and an organisation whose values match their own. 

    Here are some tips on how to hire people in Indonesia:

    Be strategic with employee branding

    As for the younger generation, leaving a positive impact on posterity is essential. Many millennial job candidates also want to work with colleagues of top calibre besides looking for jobs with excellent career advancement opportunities.  

    It is upon the organisations to stand out – branding their company as something that the current generation will work with is essential. Potential employers need to think beyond financial compensation to attract and retain talent. Employer brand attractiveness is key to attracting and retaining modern Indonesian employees.  

    Place ESG values at the forefront

    According to a recent study by Ilmia & Artisola (2022), millennials are known as the “green generation,” and most Indonesian millennials would exclude companies that do not reflect their values regarding environmental responsibility. With Indonesia’s dominating demographic being the millennials, it is wise for companies to implement green strategies to attract young, talented potential employees in Indonesia.

    For the younger generation worldwide, social and environmental values are essential, and organisations with a positive impact on both are preferred. Addressing these demands and needs is key to attracting and retaining top talent and solving the talent shortage. 

    Find a balance between governance and flexibility

    Different people thrive under different circumstances, and this also applies to working models.

    Allowing employees to choose their preferred work mode can only increase productivity. Providing access to productivity and collaboration tools and mechanisms will further boost morale. Most young Indonesian job seekers prefer a hybrid mode of work.

    Furthermore, the top three things that matter the most to them at work are a good relationship with colleagues, a good relationship with superiors, and an excellent work-life balance. 

    Provide opportunities for continuous learning

    There is a need for continuous engagement between the organisation and the employee to ensure that the worker’s experience is optimal, with a maximum capacity for career growth opportunities.

    In these terms, one-on-one mentorship and coaching for career advancement, as well as continuous learning systems introduced in the workplace may significantly impact attracting and retaining potential employees.

    A meeting taking place in an office in Indonesia


    Hiring best practices

    When hiring employees in Indonesia, there are several specific best practices that companies should consider to ensure a smooth and effective recruitment process.

    Adhere to local labour laws

    Ensure strict adherence to Indonesian labour laws and regulations throughout the when you hire locally in Indonesia. This includes obtaining the necessary work permits for foreign hires and complying with specific industry-related regulations.

    Provide transparent job descriptions

    Provide clear and transparent job postings that outline the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position. This helps in attracting candidates who align with the company's needs. It also helps to attract passive candidates who aren't actively looking for work, but who might be interested if they're presented with the right offer. 

    Engage in diversity and inclusion activities

    Promote diversity and inclusion by actively seeking candidates from various backgrounds. This not only aligns with modern workplace values but also reflects positively on the company's image.

    Practice efficient interviewing processes

    Streamline the interview process to respect candidates' time and maintain their interest. Efficient scheduling and timely communication demonstrate professionalism and consideration for applicants.

    Localise compensation packages

    Tailor compensation packages to align with local market standards. Be aware of average salary expectations in the specific industry and region to remain competitive.

    Verify references

    Conduct thorough reference checks to verify the accuracy of candidates' qualifications and work history. This helps in ensuring that the selected candidate is the right fit for the position.

    Implement a cultural onboarding process

    Implement a cultural onboarding process that helps new hires acclimate to the company's culture and work environment. This includes providing information about company values, expectations, and team dynamics.

    Foster continuous employee engagement

    Foster continuous employee engagement by maintaining open lines of communication with new hires. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help address concerns and promote a positive employee experience.

    Attend networking and industry events

    Attend local networking events and industry conferences to establish connections within the professional community. Building a strong network can lead to valuable referrals and insights into the local talent pool.

    By incorporating these best practices into the hiring process, companies can enhance their ability to attract, select, and retain top talent in Indonesia while maintaining compliance with local regulations and cultural norms.


    Termination of employment

    In Indonesia, an employee must be given a 30-day notice to terminate the employment contract. Termination can be initiated by the employer via dismissal or by the employee via resignation. There are two types of termination: 

    Termination without cause

    Termination with cause

    The employee is let go from the company due to:

    • Mergers
    • Bankruptcy 
    • Reorganisation 

    Etc. 

    The employee is let go from the company due to:

    • Misconduct 
    • Violation of contract 
    • Not being able to work more than ½ the year due to legal disputes 
    • Absent from work for more than five consecutive days without providing proper reasons and evidence 

    Table 6: Termination with cause vs. termination without cause

    There are four types of termination settlements in Indonesia: 

    Severance pay – payment due to termination of employee 

    Long service pay – compensation/reward for long years of service 

    Compensation of rights pay – compensation for unused annual leave, maternity leave, medical, accommodation, traveling expenses, etc. 

    Separation pay – voluntary compensation as a reward for services rendered by employees 

    *Not all employees are entitled to termination compensations - only permanent staff are eligible. Contract staff have a contract completion allowance at the end of the contract. If 12 months have been completed upon the end of the contract, they will be eligible for one month's salary. If the agreement is less than 12 months, the payment will be prorated. 

    There are two types of employment agreement contracts in Indonesia:

    definite term contracts (contract has a set end date – employer and employee can choose to end or renew the contract at the end) and indefinite term contracts (contract has no set end date). 

    For definite term employment contracts, employees are not entitled to any termination compensations. Only indefinite term contract employees can avail the termination compensations. 

    An employee CANNOT be terminated under the following circumstances: 

    • Unable to work for up to 12 months due to illness 
    • Unable to work due to law restrictions 
    • Marriage 
    • Childbirth, nursing, miscarriage 
    • Involved in labourer rights/union activities outside of working hours 
    • Whistleblowing on employers 
    • Performing compulsory religious activities 
    • Disability/injury due to work accidents 
    • Marital status 
    • Religion 
    • Race 
    • Physical appearance 
    • Gender/sexuality 
    • Political views 
    • Medical condition 

    The minimum statutory termination benefits for permanent staff in Indonesia are calculated as follows: 

    Years of service completed 

    Severance pay

    < 1 year

    One month’s salary

    1 year < 2 years 

    Two months’ salary

    2 years < 3 years

    Three months’ salary

    3 years < 4 years

    Four months’ salary

    4 years < 5 years

    Five months’ salary

    5 years < 6 years 

    Six months’ salary

    6 years < 7 years

    Seven months’ salary

    7 years < 8 years

    Eight months’ salary

    > 8 years 

    Nine months’ salary 

    Table 7: Severance pay according to years of service completed

    Years of service completed 

    Service pay

    3 years - 6 years 

    Two months’ salary

    6 years - 9 years

    Three months’ salary

    9 years - 12 years

    Four months’ salary

    12 years - 15 years

    Five months’ salary

    15 years - 18 years

    Six months’ salary

    18 years - 21 years

    Seven months’ salary

    21 years - 24 years

    Nine months’ salary

    > 24 years 

    Ten months’ salary 

    Table 8: Service pay according to years of service completed


    What are my options for hiring?

    For businesses seeking to attract talent in Indonesia, there are a variety of solutions provided by Airswift to ease your hiring process within compliance with local laws.

    With our long-standing expertise and knowledge, we minimise the risks of hiring, and onboarding the cream of the crop Indonesia has to offer. Let us bear the administrative tasks while you concentrate your efforts on your growing business. 

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    Talent acquisition

    When growing a business, there is always risks involved. That is why it is important to have talents with appropriate knowledge and expertise. In Airswift, you get a local talent acquisition professional to source high-quality employees in a competitive market. 

    We also offer contract hiring for short-term projects and flexible staffing solutions – you will never have to compromise quality when you need to hire contractors urgently. Our database of highly qualified contractors ensures that you will have the best for your organisation.  

    If you seek a more permanent staffing solution, our professional recruitment services can connect you with the best talents from Indonesia who meet your requirements. 

    Employer of record

    If you are looking for ways to hire people remotely but do not want to set up a physical office, an employer of record in Indonesia might be just what you need. 

    A third-party employer of record (EOR) allows you to avoid the hassle of setting up a local office and focusing on running your business instead. They handle tasks like paying employees' wages and providing them with statuary benefits. 

    *Although the information provided has been produced from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality or reliability of any information. For the latest information and specific queries regarding particular cases, please contact our team.

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