Indonesia's ILO 188 ratification ensures crew protection: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Manpower Minister Yassierli emphasized that Indonesia's ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188 ensures that protections for fishing vessel crews are aligned with international standards.

The ratification was enacted through Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 and announced by President Prabowo Subianto during the 2026 International Workers' Day commemoration on Friday, May 1.

"Through this ratification, the state ensures its presence is felt not only on land but also at sea to protect all crew members, including those working on small-scale vessels," he said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.

He added that the government recognizes the fishing sector as a high-risk profession.

The issue is also closely linked to legal frameworks across different countries. Therefore, strong legal standards are considered essential to protect fishing vessel crews.

"With this ratification, Indonesia now stands on equal footing with other leading maritime nations in upholding human rights standards at sea," he said.

Yassierli explained that the ratification of ILO Convention 188 covers several fundamental aspects of protection.

These include minimum age requirements, ensuring that fishing operators verify age and health standards before any crew member begins work.

It also mandates transparent written contracts to guarantee legal certainty for workers’ rights.

In addition, the regulation ensures onboard welfare by requiring decent accommodation and adequate food for crews while at sea.

Occupational safety and health are also emphasized, with operators required to provide protection against workplace accidents and access to adequate medical care onboard.

"Through this ratification, we want to ensure that crew members receive fair and adequate social protection," he said.

The minister added that the ratification also serves as a key instrument for Indonesia in combating forced labor and the worst forms of child labor in the fishing sector.

By adhering to the principles of fundamental rights at work, Indonesia is committed to creating a fishing industry ecosystem that is free from exploitation.