Two-Year Breastfeeding Rights of Indonesian Migrant Workers: Balancing Maternal Rights and Economic Obligations Through Islamic Law

Any Suryani Hamzah; Lalu Husni; Arba

doi:10.28918/jhi_v24i1_08

Authors

Any Suryani Hamzah University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia
Lalu Husni University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia
Arba University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28918/jhi_v24i1_08

Abstract

Breastfeeding up to the age of 2 years is a fundamental right of mothers and children recognized in international human rights instruments and national law. However, Indonesian female migrant workers face a dilemma in fulfilling this obligation because of transnational work demands and their families’ economic needs. This study analyzes the dilemma between maternal rights and economic obligations of female migrant workers in fulfilling the obligation to breastfeed for two years and examines the balance between maternal rights and the responsibilities of mothers from an Islamic legal perspective. Adopting a normative juridical method through a review of laws and regulations, international instruments, and various relevant literature, this study finds that legal protection for breastfeeding rights of female migrant workers has not been adequately designed to address the complexity of maternity needs in the context of transnational migration. The implementation of breastfeeding rights remains hampered by limited institutional support, weak protection in destination countries, and economic pressures that encourage women to continue working. This condition creates a dilemma between productive and reproductive roles, which impacts the fulfillment of the rights of children to breast milk. From an Islamic legal perspective, the principles of ‘adl, maṣlaḥah, tawazun, and maqaṣid al-shari‘ah emphasize the importance of balancing maternal rights, children’s rights, and economic responsibilities. This study offers a concept for effective transnational maternity protection through the expansion of maternity leave rights, provision of lactation facilities, and interstate cooperation to reform policies protecting female migrant workers.

Keywords:

Breastfeeding Rights, Female Migrant Workers, Human Rights, Islamic Law, Maternal Rights

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