Indonesian ministry backs maternity leave provision of six months

Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) has voiced support for the provision of six months of maternity leave in the bill of maternal and child welfare (RUU KIA), aimed at having a positive impact on the development of a child.

“The RUU KIA will be useful and have a positive impact, mainly starting from birth preparation, birth recovery, and exclusive breastfeeding for the baby,” said Femmy Eka Kartika Putri, deputy for coordination of qualified improvement for children, women, and youth at Kemenko PMK, reports Antara.

The provision of maternity leave for six months would help mothers spend more time to stimulate their children, which can support the child’s growth and development, she noted. 

“Exclusive breastfeeding can optimise maternal health and infant growth and development, while also indirectly maintaining productivity and having a positive impact on family resilience,” she added. 

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RUU KIA would also support programmes to increase gender equality, especially in childcare, Putri noted. “This will certainly emphasise that childcare is a shared task, both by the wife and husband,” she said.