Based on the statement of the Ministry of P2MI here on Wednesday, Minister Karding emphasized the importance of collaboration and system improvements so that migrant workers, especially ship crews, no longer work outside legal procedures and receive proper protection.
"Many of them work abroad, but they are not registered in our system," he remarked.
"This poses a high risk of violence and violates labor rights. Some of them have even been dumped at sea. We do not know the truth of these reports, but such stories require us to take action," he remarked.
The minister stated that by 2025, only around two thousand crew members have been documented. However, the actual number of Indonesian migrant workers in the fisheries sector abroad is estimated to be in tens of thousands.
"If only 10 percent are recorded, it means thousands are working abroad without supervision," Karding explained.
"This is a serious problem. Therefore, I urge all of us to form a joint working group involving the government, labor unions, activists, and civil society to map the problem and prioritize solutions," he remarked.
Karding also drew attention to challenges during the transition of authority from the Ministry of Transportation to the Ministry of P2MI, following the Constitutional Court's ruling that ship crews are considered migrant workers.
"However, we want everything to be based on law. For example, seafarers' records will still be handled by the Ministry of Transportation. However, permits for workers' movement must be approved by the Ministry of P2MI to ensure their registration and protection," he remarked.
Meanwhile, President of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPN) Jumhur Hidayat stated that protection for fishermen must be implemented properly, both domestically and abroad.
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"We hope fishermen, both domestically and internationally, receive equal protection. The government must know where our migrant workers are working, on which vessels, and on what visas. Otherwise, this risks human trafficking," he cautioned.
Hidayat also drew attention to the weak supervision of crew recruitment companies that often operate without strict oversight.
He noted that previously, all migrant workers were required to have an Overseas Worker Card (KTKLN) so their departure process could be monitored. However, many now work abroad on work visas without reporting their whereabouts.
"Our state must know it, because this is not just a matter of permits, but protection," he stated.
He supports the ministry's efforts to strengthen the protection system through stricter regulations.
"If necessary, reinstate control mechanisms that ensure compliance by all parties. This could also be a way to eradicate trafficking," he remarked.
The meeting was seen as a platform to discuss solutions and encourage cross-sector consolidation.
Minister Karding concluded the meeting by emphasizing that his ministry is open to learning and listening to problems and solutions from all parties.
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Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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