Jakarta. Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has proposed office daycare facilities amid controversy over extended maternity leave policies. The new law mandates up to six months of maternity leave, up from three months previously, raising concerns among employers about workforce productivity and women's employment.

"This policy will allow mothers to bring their babies to the office and receive appropriate care, including facilities for breastfeeding and childcare, enabling them to be with their children in the same room," Sandiaga Uno said after a meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday.

Sandiaga plans to launch daycare facilities at his ministry this month, following a successful implementation at the Jakarta Provincial Government's office.

The former Jakarta Deputy Governor noted that over 50% of workers in Indonesia's tourism and creative economy sectors are women. He advocates finding a middle ground to empower women while safeguarding the rights of female workers.

"We need to empower women so that mothers can still contribute effectively. This is the balance we aim to achieve," he stated.

To address industry concerns, the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry will assess employer perspectives on the policy through dedicated teams. Sandiaga also aims to leverage technology to support new mothers in maintaining productivity.

"We must implement mechanisms that support women without compromising productivity. Technology offers innovative solutions for the creative economy," he emphasized.

Sandiaga believes that Indonesia's tourism and creative economy industries are committed to empowering women and supporting child development.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo recently enacted Law Number 4 of 2024, focusing on the Welfare of Mothers and Children in the First Thousand Days of Life. Signed in Jakarta on July 2, the law ensures rights for postpartum mothers, such as spousal support and children's developmental needs.

Among its provisions is a maximum of six months maternity leave for working mothers. "Granting this leave to prepare for childbirth and care for infants is deeply humane," President Jokowisaid at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday.