Bali Hiring & Firing Laws: Labor Compliance Guide
971 56 596-5009
day and night
United Arab Emirates
EN
$
ft²
Other articles

Bali Labor Laws: Hiring & Firing Guide for Employers

Kristina Martynova The author of the article, the Broker
#Blog DDA
8 November 2205 views

Bali is like a tropical dream that everyone loves. Tourism is booming, so businesses see it as a great place to make money. If you're starting a company in Bali or growing one, you need to know the rules about hiring and firing people to protect your business in this tropical paradise.

Understanding Bali’s Labor Laws

As an employer, it is important to be aware of Indonesia’s labor laws that will also be applicable to any business in Bali for hiring or firing employees. They are created in order to protect the workers’ rights and specify what an employer can and cannot do in regard to this.

Key Labor Law Regulations in Indonesia:

Employment Contracts: Indonesian law requires all employers to create written contracts for their employees in Indonesia. The employment contracts should determine the terms and conditions of employment, including the nature of the job, working hours, remuneration, and benefits.

Working Hours and Overtime: The official working hours per week in Indonesia are 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours a day. Any working hours above the eight hours daily threshold are considered overtime that attracts higher pay.

Minimum Wage: Bali follows the province’s minimum wage guidelines, which vary from each region and industry based on updated wage guidelines. In fact, in 2021 Bali’s provincial minimum wage was 30.64 million IDR.

Employee Benefits: Employees in Bali are subject to benefits such as paid leave and holidays such as medical, sick, annual, and public holidays. Other benefits include health insurance and contributions to pensions.

Hiring Employees in Bali

When it comes to hiring employees in Bali, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

Recruiting the Right Talent

One of the most competitive tasks for Bali is finding the best candidates. It's tough for tourism, hospitality, and service companies to find skilled workers. At the same time, new grads and job seekers have a hard time landing their first job. Here are some ideas to help you find the right people:

  • Job boards such as JobStreet Indonesia, LinkedIn, or local FB groups are good places to post job openings in an official capacity.
  • Local recruitment agencies: Working with a local hiring agency in Bali will not only help you find suitable candidates but also successfully gauge their credentials.
  • Word of mouth: Bali’s community knows no secrets, and most job seekers land a job through friends’ or acquaintances’ recommendations.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees

If you want to hire a foreign employee, always remember that the latter should meet the requirements of a work permit. Until these requirements are met, a foreign national can work in Indonesia if:

  • The job offered demands exceptional skills not typically available in the Indonesian labor market.
  • The employer must then apply for a work visa and pay the required taxes.
  • The employer should adhere to the expatriate employee ratio, which is directly proportional to the nature of the business sector.

Probation Period and Performance Reviews

It is customary to allow new hires to go through a so-called probation period, which usually varies from 3 to 6 months. During this period, the employer retains the right to analyze employee performance, their attitude, and feasibility to have the job. Additionally, the employer has to hold regular performance reviews since regular feedback is key to nip potential issues in the bud.

Firing Employees in Bali

Firing is both a difficult and delicate process and requires taking measures not to land in the realm of legal implications. The labor laws of Indonesia are highly protective of their employees, which renders the firing process all the more challenging.

1. Grounds for Dismissal

  • Poor performance if an employee did not meet performance standards over time;
  • Misconduct if an employee violated the company’s policy in any way, from theft to unprofessional behavior;
  • Restructuring if an organization cannot afford this employee anymore.

2. The Termination Process

Notice Period: For a notice period, employees must serve one to three months depending on the years of service. All employees should be allowed to continue working or be paid for this period.

Severance Pay: If the employee is terminated except for gross misconduct, they should be given the benefit of severance. The amount to be capped depends on the length of service. If over 12 months, the severance amount equivalent to seven months of salary would be provided. If the amount is less than 7 months, the salary is to be given to the employee. The amount depends on the employee's salary, as per Indonesian labor law.

Documentation: When offboarding an employee, always make sure there is proper documentation, including letters of termination, the cause of dismissal, and copies of their performance reviews and warnings.

3. Handling Disputes

In case of a dispute, the following legal steps on the solution to labor conflicts need to be considered:

  • First, resolve the issue with the help of internal mediation or bargaining.
  • Then, in case of ineffective mediation, employees can submit their claim to the Indonesian National Labor Court, or PHI.

When dealing with conflicts or disputes, it is recommended to involve a legal advisor who will ensure compliance with the existing local rules and regulations.

Best Practices for Employers in Bali

  • Clear Communication: Communicate freely and transparently about job expectations, company policy, and any changes that could affect the employees.
  • Regular Training: Continually offer training and development opportunities to employees. This helps improve their work performance and skill.
  • Employee Engagement: Keep the employee motivated and satisfied through feedback, teamwork accompanied by team-building activities, and recognition.

Conclusion

Ultimately, hiring and firing workers in Bali involves knowledge of Indonesian labor rules, smart hiring techniques, and a cautious approach to dismissals. If a company follows local rules and treats its staff fairly, it may create a pleasant workplace, avert legal issues, and establish a flourishing company on this intriguing island.

Discover your perfect property for sale in Bali with DDA Real Estate, offering exclusive listings and expert guidance to help you invest in a thriving market. Whether you're looking for a luxurious villa or a profitable investment opportunity, we provide tailored solutions to make your Bali real estate journey seamless and rewarding.

Popular
5 June 1722168 views
Dubai Rent Prices 2025: Average Apartment Rental Costs in Dubai Dubai's rental market continues its upward climb in 2025, driven by population growth and limited new supply, pushing average prices up by 10%
#Blog DDA
2 July 818433 view
DLD Fees in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know Buying property in Dubai? Don't let hidden fees surprise you! Our essential guide breaks down ALL Dubai Land Department (DLD) fees
#Blog DDA
5 February 555849 views
How Foreigners Can Own Property in Bali: Understanding PT PMA (2025) Foreigners can't own freehold land in Bali, but a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) allows secure property ownership under Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) or Hak Pakai (HP) rights
#Blog DDA
5 July 481887 views
How Much is the Real Estate Agent Commission in Dubai? Find out how much real estate agent commission costs when buying property in Dubai.
#Blog DDA
2 January 416808 views
Mortgage in Thailand: interest rates for foreigners Learn about mortgage options for foreigners in Thailand, including bank loans, developer financing, and eligibility criteria. DDA Real Estate offers expert guidance
#Blog DDA
28 August 333396 views
Oqood vs Title Deed in Dubai: Key Differences You Must Know Buying property off-plan in Dubai? Oqood registration is mandatory to secure your ownership rights.
#Blog DDA