Juridical Analysis of Legal Protection for Workers Against the Retention of Diplomas and Personal Documents in Employment Contracts
Abstract
The retention of diplomas and personal documents arises from an imbalance of power between workers and employers and unclear regulatory provisions. This study aims to analyze the regulation of retaining workers’ diplomas and personal documents in Indonesia and the legal protection available to workers against such retention stipulated in employment contracts. The novelty of this study lies in its normative examination of the Circular Letter prohibiting the retention of diplomas and/or personal documents and its comparison with practices in other countries. This research employs an empirical normative method using statutory, case, and comparative approaches. Secondary and primary data were collected through literature studies and interviews and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The findings indicate that the retention of workers’ diplomas and personal documents is currently regulated under Circular Letter of the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia Number M/5/HK.04.00/V/2025. Although the Circular Letter does not possess legally binding force equivalent to a law, it serves as an implementation guideline and must not conflict with higher-level legislation. Workers whose diplomas or personal documents continue to be withheld after the completion of their employment contracts may pursue legal remedies, including mediation through the Manpower Office. Therefore, the government needs to establish strict regulations and sanctions regarding the retention of diplomas and/or personal documents in the Manpower Law, while the Manpower Office should monitor employment contracts between workers and employers.
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