A new era of transparency, accountability, and digital whistleblowing in Indonesia.
PREPARED BY GLOBY—IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PERMIT HOUSE
On the 12th of November, 2025, the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia quietly flipped a switch that could reshape the way foreign workers and employers operate in Indonesia. The ministry launched Lapor Menaker: a fully digital, nationwide complaint and reporting portal designed to catch labour-related violations — from wage issues to safety standards, and from permit misuse to illegal employment of expatriates.
Not a new law, but a new policy!
The platform is sleek, fast, and — most importantly — empowers anyone to report any violation: workers, the general public, contractors, neighbours, and even competitors.
What Expat Employers Should Be Paying Attention to
Within just two weeks of launching, Lapor Menaker has already received:
- 884 reports;
- 814 verified;
- 18 companies fined totalling more than Rp7 billion.
The Ministry of Manpower has made it clear: the era of silent non-compliance is over.
For foreign employers, here’s why that should get your attention:
- Everyone now has a direct line to the Ministry of Manpower
Employees who feel underpaid, pressured, unsafe, undocumented, or foreigners working incorrectly on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) can now report instantly from their phone.
- Foreign worker compliance is under the microscope
Expect inspections and audits linked to:
- Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing (RPTKA) approval;
- Correct job titles;
- Proper stay permits;
- Accurate reporting of job changes;
- Employer obligations toward expatriates;
- Protection and training duties.
- VOAs and the ‘wrong visa trap’
The most dangerous mistake? Letting an expatriate ‘help out’ or ‘visit the site’ while on a VOA or tourist visa. With Lapor Menaker, anyone can report this — anonymously — with just a few clicks.
So, How Does Lapor Menaker Actually Work?
Lapor Menaker has been designed to be fast, simple, and accessible to every Indonesian resident.
Here’s how the complaint process works:
Step 1 — Access the Platform
Visit: lapormenaker.kemnaker.go.id
Accessible on desktop or mobile.
Step 2 — Login or Register
Users must log in using:
- Their SIAPKerja account (Ministry’s employment portal),
or - A simple email- and ID-based registration.
This ensures data accuracy without compromising the anonymity of the final report if the complainant chooses not to reveal their identity publicly.
Step 3 — Choose the Type of Complaint
The platform offers categories such as:
- Incorrect employment of foreign workers;
- Wages, overtime, and benefit disputes;
- Occupational safety and health (K3) issues;
- Working hours and rest violations;
- Industrial relations problems;
- Apprenticeship and training disputes;
- General violations of labour norms.
Step 4 — Identify the Company
The user selects:
- Province;
- City or regency;
- Company name and address.
(Lapor Menaker includes an expanding database of registered companies.)
Step 5 — Provide the Details
The complainant fills in:
- Their worker status(employee, former employee, public observer, etc.);
- A chronology of events;
- Date and type of the violation;
- Photographs, documents, chat screenshots, or any relevant evidence.
Step 6 — Submission and Verification
The Ministry’s regional labour office reviews the case. If the report is credible, they:
- Assign an investigator.
- Contact the company.
- Conduct an inspection (sometimes unannounced);
- Issue warnings, guidance, or — if necessary — administrative sanctions and fines.
This process has already resulted in multi-million-rupiah penalties under the new system.
This Is Not a Crackdown. It’s a Wake-Up Call
Don’t worry, as Lapor Menaker is not intended to intimidate employers. It is a modern compliance tool that supports fair business practices and protects both Indonesian and expatriate workers.
The message from the Ministry of Manpower has consistently been fair, professional, and encouraging. Good companies benefit from transparency. Only non-compliant ones are at risk. It is simple and intended to share transparencies on both sides.
Who Should Pay Attention Immediately?
- PT PMA companies with expatriate employees. Audit your RPTKAs, job titles, salary structures, and reporting obligations;
- Local companies working with expats. Do not allow foreigners to ‘help’, ‘train’, or ‘supervise’ without proper permits;
- KPPAs (Representative Offices). Your license restricts operational tasks — monitor your foreign personnel carefully.
- Employers relying on outsourcing or vendor-staffed expatriates. Remember: YOU may still be liable.
What You Must Do Now (Before Someone Else Reports You)
- Audit every expatriate’s working relationship
Permits, roles, titles, and reporting must match reality — not assumptions.
- Absolutely forbid work on VOAs or tourist visas
This is the number-one trigger for anonymous reports.
- Educate your HR team and line managers
Compliance failures often begin with a lack of training.
- Strengthen internal communication
A respected workforce is less likely to look outside for solutions.
- Treat Lapor Menaker as a partner — NOT a threat
It helps create a fair, safe, and competitive labour market for everyone.
A New Era for Expat Employers in Indonesia
Indonesia remains one of the most dynamic, welcoming, and opportunity-rich environments in Asia. Lapor Menaker simply raises the bar to ensure fairness and transparency within this growing labour ecosystem.
For foreign employers, the message is clear: Comply early, and comply fully.
Lapor Menaker has changed the game — and the world is watching.
In short:
LAPOR MENAKER IS INDONESIA’S NEW 'SUPER-WHISTLEBLOWING' CHANNEL — and if you’re an expat employer, a PT PMA, a local company working with expatriates, or a Kantor Perwakilan Perusahaan Asing (KPPA) representative office, it’s time to make sure your house is in order.
📍 Jakarta Office
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📞 T: +62 899 8100 841
✉️ E: office@thepermithouse.com
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