KKP inspection trial uncovers labour issues among fishing vessel crew
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has uncovered a number of labour issues affecting fishing vessel crew (ABK) during a joint inspection trial at Benoa Port, Bali.
Mochamad Idnillah, Director of Fishing Vessels and Fishing Gear at the KKP, said in a press statement from Jakarta on Sunday that the trial findings included a wage system still based on profit-sharing, crew members who did not understand the contents of their maritime work agreements, and recruitment processes still conducted through agents without legal entity status.
He added that officers also found problems related to occupational health and safety (K3) on board fishing vessels.
“When a fishing vessel sails, our attention must not be limited to the readiness of the vessel, the completeness of its documents, or its catch. We must also ensure that the people working on board are in safe and proper conditions and that their rights are protected in accordance with the regulations,” Idnillah said.
The joint inspection trial was carried out by the KKP together with the Ministry of Manpower, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office of Bali Province, the Manpower Office of Bali Province, and Destructive Fishing Watch Indonesia on 27–28 August 2026.
The inspection targeted fishing vessels preparing to depart for sea as well as those that had returned from fishing activities.
The checks covered administrative documents, direct on-board inspections, and discussion and evaluation of the inspection results.
Idnillah said the various findings from the trial had been conveyed to vessel owners for follow-up through corrective measures.
According to him, the trial results will serve as evaluation material to refine inspection instruments, implementation procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the division of authority and responsibility among agencies.
“This step is part of efforts to build a more integrated, effective and sustainable joint inspection mechanism for labour aspects on fishing vessels,” he said.
The KKP recorded 21 cases related to fishing vessel crew up to August 2026.
Most of these cases involved wage issues, death and work accident compensation, and illegal and irresponsible recruitment.
The KKP stated that the inspection trial is part of the implementation of the Convention Concerning Work in the Fishing Sector, or ILO Convention No. 188 on Work in the Fishing Sector.
Indonesia ratified the convention through Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026, announced by President Prabowo Subianto on 1 May 2026.
Lotharia Latif, Director General of Capture Fisheries at the KKP, said that protection of fishing vessel crew must become part of fishing vessel governance, alongside improving productivity and catch yields.
“Fishing vessel crew are a very important part of the fisheries sector. Therefore, their protection must become an integral part of fishing vessel governance,” Lotharia said.