Indonesia has formally ratified the International Labour Organization Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing, marking a significant step toward strengthening protections for one of the country’s most vulnerable and high-risk workforces—fishing vessel crews.
The ratification, enacted through Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026, was announced by President Prabowo Subianto during the International Workers' Day commemoration on May 1. The move aligns Indonesia with global maritime standards on labor rights and safety at sea.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli said the ratification ensures that protections for fishing crews now meet international benchmarks. “The state’s presence must be felt not only on land but also at sea,” he said in a statement, underlining the government’s intent to extend labor safeguards to workers operating in remote and often hazardous maritime environments.
Indonesia’s fishing industry, a key contributor to its economy, has long been associated with high occupational risks and complex jurisdictional challenges. Yassierli noted that stronger legal frameworks are essential, particularly as fishing operations often intersect with international waters and cross-border regulations.
“With this ratification, Indonesia stands on equal footing with leading maritime nations in upholding human rights standards at sea,” he added.
The adoption of Convention 188 introduces a series of mandatory protections. These include minimum age requirements and health checks for crew members, ensuring that only fit and legally eligible individuals are employed. It also requires transparent, written employment contracts to provide legal clarity and safeguard workers’ rights.
The regulation further mandates improved onboard living conditions, including adequate accommodation and food, alongside stricter occupational safety and health measures. Vessel operators must now provide protection against workplace hazards and ensure access to medical care while at sea.
Beyond immediate labor protections, the ratification is also seen as a strategic tool to combat forced labor and eliminate the worst forms of child labor in the fishing sector. By embedding fundamental rights at work into its legal framework, Indonesia aims to build a more ethical and sustainable fisheries industry.
“This is a new chapter,” Yassierli said. “We want every worker at sea to know they are not alone—the state is present to guarantee their safety, security, and dignity.”
The move reinforces Indonesia’s broader commitment to labor reform and positions the country as a more responsible player in the global maritime economy, particularly at a time when scrutiny over labor practices in supply chains continues to intensify.