“This ratification reflects our constitutional obligation to protect crews working on board fishing vessels,” Manpower Minister Yassierli said in a joint statement with the ILO in Jakarta on Wednesday.
“This is an opportunity to create lasting impact and leave a legacy that affirms the state’s presence for fishing vessel crews,” he added.
Adopted in 2007, ILO Convention No. 188 sets minimum standards for working and living conditions in the fishing sector.
The treaty covers conditions of service, accommodation and food, occupational safety and health, medical care, and social security.
Lotharia Latief, director general of Capture Fisheries at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, said the ministry’s priority goes beyond sustainable resource management to also improving the welfare of vessel crews.
“The Ministry is committed to ratification to ensure the rights of fishers on both domestic and migrant vessels are fully protected,” Latief said.
Simrin Singh, ILO director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, said the planned ratification in 2026 would mark a significant step in aligning Indonesia’s labor protections with global standards.
“This reflects a strong national commitment to decent work, fair recruitment, and eliminating exploitation in the fisheries sector,” Singh said.
“Becoming the second ASEAN country to ratify this convention not only aligns Indonesia with international norms but also strengthens the sustainability and competitiveness of its fisheries industry,” she added.
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Translator: Nur, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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