Minister of P2MI: Ratification of ILO 188 a 'special gift' from the President to Fishermen Crew
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188 through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 25 of 2026 serves as a “special gift” from President Prabowo Subianto to all fishing vessel crew members (ABK) in domestic waters as well as migrant ABK on foreign vessels.
This was stated by the Minister of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Mukhtarudin, in a press release from the Ministry of P2MI in Jakarta on Friday.
“The ratification of ILO 188 is a historic milestone in legal documentation, providing a strong international umbrella of protection for ‘Family Warriors’ at sea. This is the answer to the longings of ABK for justice and equal protection,” he said.
According to him, this step is concrete evidence of the state’s presence in strengthening protection and welfare for workers in the maritime sector, which has long been fraught with risks.
Mukhtarudin explained that the global fishing sector has often been overshadowed by issues of exploitation and modern slavery, and through this ratification, Indonesia’s diplomatic position on the international stage becomes much more solid in pressing foreign vessel-owning countries to comply with international labour standards.
He added that post-ratification, ABK will experience significant positive impacts through the strengthening of four main pillars of protection.
First, enhanced legal protection that closes gaps in national regulations, so that ABK on foreign vessels now have a binding international legal basis to demand their rights.
Second, the creation of humane working standards through guarantees of written employment contracts, adequate rest hours, and access to decent social security and health provisions.
Third, strengthening of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) aspects that regulate strict safety procedures on board to reduce the risk of work accidents in the high seas.
“And finally, this policy will drive recruitment transparency by tightening oversight of placement agencies aimed at eradicating fraud and all forms of human trafficking in the maritime sector,” he said.
Mukhtarudin emphasised that the Ministry of P2MI will immediately coordinate across ministries and institutions to ensure that the points of Perpres No. 25 of 2026 can be implemented effectively.
“We hear the voices of labour and environmental activists. This ratification is a major initial step, and our next task is to ensure that every clause of this international agreement is realised in the form of real protection on the ship’s deck, not just on paper,” he said.
He also hopes that this 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.