Prabowo ratifies ILO 188 to provide protection for fishermen

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto signed Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 25 of 2026 on the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188 to ensure the protection and welfare of fishermen in Indonesia. “There is another gift for workers. I have just signed Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 on the Ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 188, to ensure protection and welfare for fishing vessel crew,” stated President Prabowo in his speech at the International Labour Day (May Day) commemoration in Jakarta on Friday. The signing of the Perpres is part of the government’s strategic steps to strengthen worker protection, particularly for fishing vessel crew, who have long faced challenges in occupational safety and welfare aspects. Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 on the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188 aims to strengthen legal protection and welfare for fishing vessel crew (ABK), while ensuring decent working conditions in line with international standards. In addition, the provisions also cover the provision of accommodation, food, healthcare services, and social security on board. The ratification is a strategic step for Indonesia as a maritime nation to close gaps in legal protection for ABK, both those working domestically and on foreign-flagged vessels. In addition to ratifying the international convention, President Prabowo also announced a programme to develop fishing villages as an effort to improve the living standards of coastal communities throughout the country. The President added that the programme will continue gradually in the following years with a target of building 1,500 fishing villages each year. According to the President, this programme is projected to improve the welfare of around six million fishermen and their families, encompassing more than 20 million Indonesians. “Those who have been struggling, going to sea without ice, now we will build ice factories in every fishing village. We will also help with boats for them,” said Prabowo.