Minister of Migrant Worker Protection States that Presidential Regulation 25/2026 Becomes Milestone for Protecting Seafaring Migrant Workers
The Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, has commended President Prabowo Subianto’s step to ratify International Labour Organization Convention No. 188 through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 25 of 2026.
Mukhtarudin described the policy as a “special gift” for all fishing vessel crew members (ABK), whether working in domestic waters or as migrant workers on foreign vessels.
According to him, this action serves as concrete evidence of the state’s presence in strengthening protection and welfare for maritime sector workers, who have long faced significant risks.
“The ratification of ILO 188 is a historic milestone in the form of a strong international protective umbrella for our family fighters at sea. This is the answer to the hopes of ABK for justice and equal protection,” Mukhtarudin stated in a press release received by Kompas.com on Friday (1/5/2026).
He assessed that the global fishing sector has long been overshadowed by issues of exploitation and modern slavery practices.
Therefore, the ratification of the convention is seen as strengthening Indonesia’s diplomatic position to encourage foreign vessel-owning countries to comply with international labour standards.
First, he said, it strengthens legal protection by closing gaps in national regulations, so that ABK working on foreign vessels have a stronger international legal basis to claim their rights.
“Second, it creates more humane working standards through guarantees of written employment contracts, adequate rest hours, as well as access to decent social security and health provisions,” Mukhtarudin stated.
Third, he continued, it strengthens aspects of occupational safety and health (K3) through the implementation of stricter safety procedures on board to reduce the risk of work accidents at sea.
Fourth, it improves recruitment transparency through tighter oversight of placement agencies to prevent fraudulent practices and human trafficking in the maritime sector.
Nevertheless, Mukhtarudin believes the next challenge is full implementation in the field.
“We hear the voices of labour and environmental activists. This ratification is a major initial step. Our next task is to ensure that every provision of this international agreement is realised in the form of real protection on the ship’s deck, not just on paper,” Mukhtarudin said.
He hopes the policy will not only enhance Indonesia’s dignity in the eyes of the world but also serve as a foundation for a more sustainable and ethical national fishing industry.