Two Indonesian Crew Members Still Missing After Fishing Vessel Sinks Off South Korea

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that two Indonesian citizens are still missing after the fishing vessel they were working on sank in waters near Busan, South Korea. The incident occurred on an unspecified date when the vessel, carrying eight crew members, collided with a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier. While four Indonesian crew members and two South Korean nationals were rescued, the search for the remaining two Indonesian workers has been scaled back. The South Korean Coast Guard conducted an official search operation for the standard period of 72 hours, but the missing individuals have not been located. Further search efforts are now being carried out by ships passing through the area. The Ministry has assured that it will continue to provide assistance and maintain communication with the families of the missing crew members. This maritime accident underscores the hazardous working conditions often faced by fishing vessel crews. In a related policy development, President Prabowo Subianto signed Presidential Regulation No. 25/2026 on 1 May, ratifying the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 188 concerning work in the fishing sector. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries stated that the ratification marks a significant step towards ensuring decent work standards in the fishing industry, which is known for its high risks and challenges in labour protection, stemming from both natural factors and the working environment. The new regulation aims to guarantee comprehensive protection for fishing vessel crews, covering recruitment processes, rights and obligations, occupational safety, and clearer, more humane employment relationships.