TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Expectant mothers working as civil servants in Aceh are now entitled to request for a six-month maternity leave in accordance with Gubernatorial Regulation No. 40/2016 on Exclusive Breastfeeding.

Aceh Administration Public Relations Bureau head Frans Delian said the regulation is aimed at allowing a working mother to build emotional relationship between herself and newborn. The policy will apply for all civil servants and temporary employees in governmental agencies in Aceh since the enactment of the regulation on August 12, 2016.

Moreover, article 3 of the regulation ensures a mother that she can exclusively breastfed her child. “For children to get exclusive breastfeeding for six months after delivery,” Frans said, Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

According to Frans, the regulation is also aimed at reducing the number of stunting (inadequate length/height for age) in Aceh. “And to improve intelligence in children,” he said. Frans said maternity leave may be granted 20 days before giving birth and another six-month leave are allowed after delivery.

As for husbands, they are entitled to paternity leave of seven days before and after childbirth to maximize a husband’s role in accompanying his spouse and child. Previously, civil servants were only allowed to request for a maximum of three-month leave in total for pregnancy and childbirth.

ADI WARSIDI