JAKARTA - Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli said that the ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing by the Indonesian government ensures the protection of fishers' crew workers equivalent to international standards.
The ratification was enacted through Presidential Regulation Number 25 of 2026 and was announced by President Prabowo Subianto on the International Labor Day/May Day 2026.
"Through this ratification, the country ensures its presence not only on land, but even in the middle of the vast ocean to protect all ship crews, including those working on small-sized ships," said the Minister of Home Affairs in his statement in Jakarta, Monday.
He said the government was aware that the fishing sector was one of the types of work that had a high risk.
In addition, this issue also directly touches on the laws that apply in various countries. Therefore, a strong legal standard is needed to protect the crew.
"With this ratification, Indonesia now stands on par with other advanced maritime countries in upholding human rights standards in the high seas," he said.
Yassierli explained that through the ratification of ILO Convention No. 188, the protection provided includes basic aspects that must be met by each party.
First, the minimum age requirement. Ship owners or fishing entrepreneurs must ensure the age and health standards of the crew before starting work.
Second, there is a labor agreement that requires a transparent written contract so that workers' rights have legal certainty.
Third, welfare on board. The crew must be guaranteed the availability of decent accommodation and food while the crew is at sea.
Fourth, occupational health and safety (K3). The ship's party must provide protection from the risk of work accidents as well as access to adequate medical care on board.
"Not only that, through this ratification we want to ensure that the crew gets fair and adequate social security protection," he explained.
The Minister of Home Affairs added that this ratification is also an important instrument for Indonesia in combating forced labor practices and the worst forms of child labor in the fisheries sector.
Referring to the principles of basic rights at work, Indonesia is committed to creating a clean industrial ecosystem for fisheries.
"This is a new history. Through this ratification, we want to ensure that our brothers and sisters who work at sea no longer feel that they are working alone. The state is present to guarantee their security, safety, and dignity as workers," said the Minister of Home Affairs Yassierli.
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