Labour is one of the biggest costs on a housing project and the hardest to control, because it is paid in cash every week and often without proper records. This article summarises 2026 wage ranges from public sources, then shows how to work out and record the cost.
Daily wage ranges in 2026
| Role | General range | Greater Jakarta | Central Java and Yogyakarta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helper (kenek) | Rp80–150 k | Rp110–150 k | Rp80–95 k |
| Builder (mason, carpenter, steel fixer) | Rp110–270 k | Rp150–250 k | Rp110–140 k |
| Head builder or foreman | Rp170–300 k | Rp180–300 k | lower than Jakarta |
These figures summarise 2026 contractor blogs and media, not official government rates, so treat them as a starting point. A working day is usually 8 hours. Bandung is said to be about 10–15% below greater Jakarta. For government project budgets, use the local HSPK.
Meals and pay terms
- Net pay: the owner adds a meal allowance or provides lunch and coffee.
- Gross pay: the daily rate is higher because builders cover their own meals.
- Overtime is usually paid per hour or half day; agree it up front.
Example weekly labour cost
| Team | Number | Rate per day | 6 working days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreman | 1 | Rp220 k | Rp1.32 m |
| Builders | 4 | Rp180 k | Rp4.32 m |
| Helpers | 4 | Rp120 k | Rp2.88 m |
| Total per week | 9 people | Rp8.52 m |
On our example housing project (Rp1 billion contract, 32 weeks, block C5), a team like this for 32 weeks means about Rp270 m in labour. Compare it with the labour line in the RAP every week, not at the end of the project.
How to record it so it does not leak
- Record daily attendance by name and by work package (WhatsApp or Google Form works).
- Record cash advances (kasbon) separately and deduct them at payday.
- Check weekly wages against work measured (opname), not just days worked.
- Post labour to the cost report by RAB line so overruns show early.
Common mistakes
- Paying wages without written attendance.
- Cash advances not recorded and only discovered at the end.
- Budgeting with another city wage rates without adjusting.
- Recording labour as one number instead of by work package, so it cannot be compared with the RAB.
The full guide is in How to create a weekly construction schedule report in Google Sheets. It has a free template (Excel or Google Sheets) and a checker that reads your own workbook.
Ready to use the Komander agents on your projects?
When your workbook is complete, apply for a pilot: we help connect your project data to the Finance, Cost and Scheduler agents and review the first reports with you.
Send to melwani@komander.ai. Your workbook check result is included when there is one; the workbook itself is not sent.
Common questions
What is a builder daily wage in Indonesia in 2026?
Generally about Rp110–270 k a day for builders, Rp80–150 k for helpers and Rp170–300 k for head builders or foremen, depending on the region.
Does the daily wage include meals?
It depends on the agreement. On net pay the owner adds a meal allowance; on gross pay the rate is higher because builders pay for meals.
How many hours is a working day?
Usually 8 hours. Overtime is agreed separately.