Many Jakartans who can afford domestic help -- be they maids, drivers, gardeners or baby sitters -- rarely realize the important role their poorly-educated household workers play in maintaining their comfort or wellbeing. And many tend to pay their helpers only small salaries, but make high demands of them.

However, during the days leading up to Idul Fitri, many such employers become nicer toward their staff, promising them higher salaries because they realize the domestic chaos that could result if they chose not to return after the holidays.

These times are the busiest for many urban households, as most domestic helpers take leave -- joining millions in a seasonal exodus to their hometowns for Idul Fitri or Lebaran celebrations.

For most helpers, Lebaran is the most valid reason to escape their routine or to stay away from stingy or unpleasant masters -- and their employers are hardly in a position to refuse them this break. Some may agree to stay on, but of course only with very appealing incentives.

For most Muslims, particularly in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, Lebaran is the most anticipated religious holiday, when migrant workers visit their hometowns for annual reunions with their relatives. Many even believe that visiting their parents is compulsory during Idul Fitri.

To do so they are prepared to brave traffic congestion, traveling hundreds of kilometers by car or motorcycle, or packed into crowded public transportation with increased fares -- as long as they are able to celebrate Idul Fitri at home.

Transportation Minister Jusman Syafei Djamal estimated some 15.7 million Indonesians would make the seasonal exodus this year.

Meanwhile, those who are left busily try to cope with their household chores in the absence of helpers -- distributing the work among family members, hiring seasonal helpers or simply moving to hotels or leaving town (for those who can afford it).

Many of Jakarta's households -- not just middle or upper class, but also lower middle class workers -- depend very much on this help. Many must hire people just to look after their children because they are at work in their offices throughout the day.

Instead of being recognized for their important role in the household, domestic workers are prone to various forms of abuse from employers. We have seen too many reports of those who have become targets of physical torture when employers are not happy with their work.

As domestic workers are employed in informal positions, there are almost no regulations providing protection for them. Consequently, they are vulnerable to over-exploitation, with no working hours and no weekly breaks, and they are often underpaid.

Unfortunately, most only have a minimal level of education and do not know their rights. And usually there are no working contracts between domestic helpers and employers. Therefore, the fate of domestic workers essentially depends on employers.

We really hope the government and the House of Representatives will follow up an initiative to deliberate a bill on domestic worker protection, that was proposed by women's activists years ago.

Such a regulation is expected to set standards for working hours, days off and minimum wages.

However, we anticipate there would also be many who would not approve of such regulations because they have long enjoyed cheap full-time service from their household staff.

Whether we realize it or not, we may be among those who exploit domestic workers.

Creating a law, however, would not necessarily fix the problem. The attitudes of employers will still be the key to decide the fate of domestic workers because this sort of employment is often a last resort for job seekers.

And due to these limitations, many are reluctant to pursue their rights. Therefore, following the fasting month and while we are busy with chores that are usually done by domestic helpers, may we contemplate and at the same time raise the question: Have we treated our domestic workers properly?

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