Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
A recent report by the National Fishers Centre (NFC) highlighted these pressing issues faced by crew members on fishing vessels. In response, the Bali provincial government has issued new regulations to safeguard maritime laborers and established a regional forum secretariat for 2025–2028. This initiative aims to realize national commitments to improving the livelihoods of those in the fisheries sector.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries welcomed the move, emphasising the importance of coordinated policy efforts between central and local authorities.
Minister Mohammad Abdi Suhufan said the forum would help foster a safer, more sustainable working environment for fishers and vessel crews in Bali.
Suhufan warned of the ongoing risks in the fishing profession, including exposure to extreme weather, irregular working hours, poor living conditions, and the lack of proper contracts, insurance, and fair compensation.
Currently, Benoa Port in Denpasar, Indonesia’s second-largest seafood processing and export hub, employs around 15,000 crew members across 600–700 fishing vessels operated by 58 companies. These workers are a vital part of Bali’s fisheries sector, which plays a key role in local exports.
According to Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia, seafood exports from Bali reached 14.46 million USD in March, accounting for nearly 27% of the province’s total export revenue for 2024.
President Prabowo Subianto has also pledged to ratify ILO Convention No. 188 on work in fishing, reinforcing nationwide protections for fishing crews./.
