2016, Indonesian Freelance Workers' Wages Remain Low

In 2016, the average wage for freelance workers in Indonesia was only Rp 1.17 million per month. This figure is significantly lower than the average regional minimum wage set by the government. For high school graduates, the average wage was Rp 1.39 million. Furthermore, junior high school graduates earned Rp 1.32 million. Meanwhile, elementary school graduates and those without an elementary school education earned Rp 1.17 million and Rp 992,000 per month, respectively.

Freelance workers are individuals without permanent employment status. Generally, freelance workers receive wages in cash or goods, with payment systems based on daily rates or piecework. Due to their unstable status, freelance workers typically do not have a fixed monthly income.

The implementation of visa-free entry for 160 countries has led to an increase in illegal foreign workers in Indonesia. These illegal foreign workers often fill low-skilled jobs, competing with domestic freelance workers.