<![CDATA[Introduction: Maternity leave is an essential component of legal protection for female workers because it concerns reproductive protection, employment continuity, and non-discrimination in employment relations. Although Indonesia has established a legal framework governing maternity leave, a gap remains between statutory protection and its practical implementation.Purposes of the Research: This study aims to examine the legal regulation of maternity leave for female workers in Indonesia and identify the principal barriers to its implementation and enforcement.Methods of the Research: This study employs normative legal research using statutory and conceptual approaches. Primary and secondary legal materials are analyzed qualitatively, while previous studies and policy reports are used as supporting evidence to examine implementation-related problems.Results Main Findings of the Research: The study finds that Indonesian law provides a normative basis for maternity leave and protection against discriminatory treatment of female workers. However, its effectiveness is constrained by weak labour-law enforcement and supervision, limited complaint mechanisms, workplace pressure, gender-based stigma, and the weak bargaining position of female workers. Conclusion: Effective maternity protection cannot depend solely on the existence of statutory rights. It requires stronger enforcement and labour inspection, accessible and safe complaint mechanisms, and workplace policies and cultures that support gender equality and the effective exercise of maternity rights.]]>
