Today’s workforce is increasingly global. Companies build cross-border teams, while professionals seek opportunities that offer flexibility, mobility, and meaningful work.
Indonesia — with its fast-growing digital economy, competitive operating costs, and globally recognised destinations such as Bali and Jakarta — has become a major draw for foreign professionals and international companies.
However, many newcomers overlook one critical compliance requirement that determines whether working in Indonesia is truly legal:
Wajib Lapor Ketenagakerjaan Perusahaan (WLKP) — Indonesia’s Mandatory Manpower Reporting system under the Ministry of Manpower.
For both employers and foreign workers, WLKP is not a mere administrative task. It is a foundational requirement for lawful employment in Indonesia.
What Is Wajib Lapor Ketenagakerjaan (WLKP)?
Wajib Lapor Ketenagakerjaan Perusahaan, commonly referred to as WLKP, is a mandatory obligation for every company operating in Indonesia to report its workforce data to the government.
This obligation originates from Law No. 7 of 1981 on Manpower Reporting, which requires all employers — local or foreign-owned — to submit accurate and up-to-date information regarding their workforce and employment conditions.
WLKP applies to:
Indonesian companies,
foreign-owned companies (PT PMA),
and entities employing both local and expatriate workers.
Legal Framework: Permenaker No. 18 of 2017
The current operational basis for WLKP is Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 18 of 2017 on the online implementation of mandatory manpower reporting.
Under this regulation:
Employers must submit WLKP online through the official Ministry of Manpower portal
The report must include:
company identity and business licence details,
number of Indonesian and foreign employees,
job classifications, wages, working hours, and occupational safety programs,
employee training, social security (BPJS), and industrial relations data.
WLKP must be updated annually or whenever material changes occur.
Once approved, the company receives a digital WLKP certificate, which serves as formal proof of manpower compliance.
Failure to submit or renew WLKP may result in administrative sanctions, including rejection of foreign manpower applications.
Why WLKP Is Critical for Foreign Workers
For foreign nationals planning to work in Indonesia, WLKP is the first compliance gateway.
Before an employer can:
apply for an RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilisation Plan), or
obtain a Work Permit Notification (Notifikasi),
the company must demonstrate that its WLKP is valid and current.
The Ministry of Manpower uses WLKP data to confirm that:
the employer is legally registered,
labour records are properly maintained,
hiring foreign workers aligns with genuine business needs.
If WLKP is missing or expired, applications for RPTKA and work permits will be delayed or rejected — regardless of how legitimate the job offer may be.
For employees, WLKP compliance ensures that:
you are employed by a government-recognised entity,
your contract, salary, and benefits are formally recorded,
your eligibility for BPJS and statutory protections is secured.
How WLKP Fits into Indonesia’s Work Permit Process
WLKP is not a standalone requirement — it sits at the very start of Indonesia’s expatriate employment chain:
Company Registration & WLKP Submission
Employer reports workforce data via the Ministry of Manpower system.RPTKA Approval
Employer requests approval to hire foreign talent for a specific role and duration.Work Permit Notification (Notifikasi)
Employer pays the DKP-TKA levy and secures legal work authorisation.Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) → KITAS
Immigration issues the visa and residence permit.
Without WLKP, this entire process cannot proceed.
WLKP in the Era of Flexible and Remote Work
Indonesia is increasingly open to global talent, but it balances flexibility with accountability.
While remote and hybrid work models are expanding, WLKP remains a constant requirement — ensuring that companies operating in Indonesia maintain transparent and accurate manpower records.
If you are physically working from Indonesia, WLKP helps confirm that your employer:
complies with manpower regulations,
fulfils social security obligations,
maintains lawful employment practices.
This reflects Indonesia’s broader approach:
while safeguarding fair labour standards.
Practical Guidance for Foreign Workers
Before starting work in Indonesia, consider the following:
Verify your employer’s WLKP certificate
Ask for confirmation that WLKP is active and valid.Understand the permit sequence
WLKP → RPTKA → Work Permit → KITAS.Avoid illegal employment
Working on tourist or business visas is a violation of Indonesian law.Clarify BPJS and tax handling
Proper WLKP registration supports lawful social security and tax compliance.Consider structured employment solutions
An Employer of Record (EoR) can manage WLKP, permits, payroll, and compliance on your behalf.
Workforce Trends: WLKP as a Marker of Professionalism
Indonesia’s manpower administration has evolved rapidly in recent years.
With online WLKP submission and integration across government systems, compliance is becoming more transparent and efficient. Employers who proactively maintain WLKP are better positioned to:
secure permits faster,
avoid regulatory disruption,
build long-term credibility.
In today’s labour market, compliance is no longer a burden — it is a signal of professionalism.
Compliance Enables Opportunity
As Indonesia becomes more deeply integrated into the global workforce, WLKP remains a vital bridge between opportunity and accountability.
For companies, it is a legal obligation and a business safeguard.
For foreign workers, it is assurance that your employment, income, and stay are fully compliant under Indonesian manpower law.
Before accepting a role in Indonesia, ask the essential questions:
Has the employer submitted WLKP?
Are your work permit and KITAS in order?
If the answer is yes — you are ready to work in Indonesia with confidence.
WeSrve is a business solutions company and a trusted partner for clients in delivering a wide range of corporate secretarial services. Our services include company incorporation, expatriate compliance, payroll, accounting, and taxation.
If you require further guidance on manpower reporting, work permits, or employment compliance in Indonesia, please visit www.wesrve.co.id, contact us at support@wesrve.co.id, or reach out via WhatsApp at +62 818 1881 1887.
