As part of its commitment to increase citizen participation in the democratic process, the Government of Indonesia has officially declared February 14, 2024 as a national holiday, in line with the simultaneous voting. This decision was announced through the Circular Letter (SE) of the Minister of Manpower Number 1 of 2024, which regulates the implementation of holidays for workers / laborers on the day and date of voting.
In the Circular, Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah emphasized that workers/laborers who work on that date are entitled to overtime pay and other rights in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations. This step was taken as a form of recognition of the contribution of workers/laborers in supporting the democratic process in Indonesia.
The first point in the Circular explains that the determination of public holidays for voting in elections and regional head elections is based on applicable laws and regulations. With this policy, it is expected that employers provide opportunities for workers/laborers to exercise their voting rights without any constraints on working time.
The Minister of Manpower emphasized, "Employers are required to arrange working time so that workers/laborers can still exercise their voting rights on the day and date of voting. If workers/laborers must work, employers are responsible for providing sufficient opportunities to exercise this right."
The implementation of simultaneous voting on national holidays is regulated by Article 167 paragraph (3) of Law Number 7/2017 on Elections and Article 84 paragraph (3) of Law Number 1/2015 on the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 1/2014 on the Election of Governors, Regents, and Mayors.
With this policy, it is expected that public participation in the voting process will increase, creating a more dynamic and inclusive democratic atmosphere. The government also invites all elements of society to support and ensure that the rights of workers/laborers are safeguarded and respected, including the right to overtime pay. The wage is considered a form of appreciation for the active involvement of workers/laborers in supporting the sustainability of democracy in Indonesia.
