Indonesia Ratifies ILO Convention 188 to Strengthen Protection for Fishing Crews

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has taken a major step to improve labor standards at sea, as President Prabowo Subianto ratified an international convention aimed at protecting fishing vessel crews, both domestically and abroad.

The move was revealed by Minister of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection, Mukhtarudin, in a statement released in Jakarta on Friday, May 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

“Ratification of International Labor Organization (ILO) 188 is a historic legal milestone, providing a strong international protection framework for ‘family breadwinners’ at sea. It answers the long-standing demand of fishing crews for justice and equal protection,” Minister Mukhtarudin said.

According to the minister, the move reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening protection and welfare in the high-risk maritime sector.

He noted that the global fisheries industry has long been associated with exploitation and modern slavery issues. With this ratification, Indonesia’s diplomatic position is strengthened in urging foreign-flagged vessels to comply with international labor standards.

Following the ratification, fishing crews are expected to benefit from four key pillars of protection.

First, enhanced legal protection will close regulatory gaps, giving Indonesian crew members on foreign vessels binding international legal grounds to claim their rights.

Second, more humane working conditions will be ensured through written contracts, adequate rest periods, and access to proper social security and healthcare.

Third, occupational safety and health standards will be reinforced, introducing stricter onboard safety procedures to reduce risks at sea.

“Lastly, this policy will promote recruitment transparency by tightening oversight of placement agencies to combat fraud and human trafficking in the maritime sector,” the minister said.

He emphasized that the ministry would coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 25/2026.

“We have heard the voices of labor and environmental activists. This ratification is a major first step, and our next task is to ensure these international commitments translate into real protection on board vessels, not just on paper,” he continued.

He also expressed hope that the policy would enhance Indonesia’s global standing while supporting a more sustainable and ethical national fisheries industry. ***