Minister of Manpower to Submit Ratification Instrument for ILO Convention 188 in Geneva
The Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, will present the ratification instrument for International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188 concerning Work in the Fishing Sector to the Director-General of the ILO in Geneva, Switzerland. The submission will take place during the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC).
“I carry the message of President Prabowo Subianto that the state must be present to protect workers in all sectors, including our brothers and sisters working at sea. Through the ratification instrument of ILO Convention 188, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening protections for fishery vessel crews,” stated Minister Yassierli in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.
The Indonesian Government previously ratified ILO Convention 188 through Presidential Regulation Number 25 of 2024. This ratification serves as the legal basis for Indonesia to proceed with the formal international process by submitting the ratification instrument to the ILO.
The Minister noted that the ratification of ILO Convention 188 is crucial due to the significant challenges faced by the fishing sector. Fishery vessel crews work far from land, facing safety risks, harsh weather conditions, long working hours, and vulnerability to labour rights violations.
“This ratification is a state commitment to ensure that fishery vessel crews work in more decent, safe, and protected conditions. They are an essential part of Indonesia’s maritime economic strength,” he added.
ILO Convention 188 establishes vital standards for fishery vessel crews, covering minimum working requirements, employment agreements, rest periods, accommodation and food, occupational safety and health, medical care, and social security. For workers, these standards provide stronger certainty regarding their fundamental rights while at sea.
Yassierli emphasised that Indonesia’s decision to ratify ILO Convention 188 reflects its commitment as a major maritime nation. This momentum aligns with national interests to strengthen the protection of Indonesian citizens working abroad, while supporting global efforts to eradicate forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation within the fishing sector.
“Through the planned submission of the original ratification instrument, Indonesia asserts that the protection of fishery vessel crews is part of the state’s broader agenda to achieve decent work and ensure that the development of the marine and fisheries sector is fair, safe, and sustainable,” he explained.