Indonesia bolsters comprehensive protections for migrant fishers

hartono · Aug 27, 2026

Indonesia bolsters comprehensive protections for migrant fishers

Manpower Minister Yassierli (center) at the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers' Meeting (ALMM) in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday (August 26, 2026). /ANTARA/HO-Kemnaker RI.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is strengthening protections for migrant fishers throughout the entire migration cycle, from recruitment and deployment to return and reintegration, to prevent exploitation.

Manpower Minister Yassierli said the commitment is being implemented through the ASEAN Guidelines on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Fishers.

"At the national level, Indonesia continues to strengthen its regulatory and institutional frameworks for the placement and protection of migrant fishers on fishing vessels, including by improving competency standards and certification," he said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to Yassierli, protection for migrant fishers must cover the entire migration cycle, including recruitment, pre-departure preparation, work aboard vessels, access to legal protection and remedies, safe return, and reintegration.

Yassierli noted that Indonesia has ratified International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing, marking a concrete step toward promoting decent work, occupational safety and health, as well as fair living and working conditions for fishers.

In practice, Indonesia continues to prioritize preventive measures to mitigate potential risks before fishers leave their home country.

The ASEAN Guidelines are expected to strengthen fair and responsible recruitment practices, transparent employment arrangements, contract verification, standardized competency certification, and the provision of reliable pre-departure information.

In protecting migrant fishers, Yassierli said ASEAN can enhance information sharing and strengthen practical cooperation among member states to improve the governance of migrant fisher placement and protection.

"Protecting fishers requires strong coordination among governments, employers, workers' organizations, civil society, and international organizations," he said.

Therefore, Yassierli added, Indonesia is strengthening practical cooperation through an exchange of views with the Philippines on the management of migrant fishing vessel crews.

Going forward, Indonesia will map existing ASEAN mechanisms by identifying potential gaps and risks, while determining key areas for strengthening regional cooperation.

"This move is expected to ensure that decent work, effective protection, and respect for human dignity remain central to the placement and employment of migrant fishers," the minister said.