On International Labour Day, civil society calls on the Indonesian government to ensure full and effective implementation of ILO Convention No. 188 (C-188), to protect fishing crews and build a fair, safe and sustainable fisheries sector.

Across Indonesia, many fishing vessel crews continue to face unsafe working conditions, unclear contracts and limited access to social protection. While the government has taken an important step by ratifying Convention No. 188, urgent action is now needed to ensure these protections are delivered in practice. President Prabowo previously called for stronger protection for fisheries workers on May Day 2025, a commitment that was reaffirmed in September 2025.

Team 9 Convener Syofyan said the ratification of Convention No. 188 must now translate into real improvements for workers at sea. He emphasised that the momentum of May Day 2026 should mark a turning point for enforcement and accountability.

“We extend our highest appreciation to the Government of Indonesia for its progressive steps in ratifying ILO Convention No. 188. This step is not merely the fulfilment of an international obligation, but a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence in protecting the frontline workers of our maritime sector. Let us protect the workers, and let us safeguard the sustainability of the fishing industry!” Syofyan said.

Sulistri, Secretary of the Labour Union/Fisheries Labour Union Network, highlighted the daily realities faced by many workers in the sector.

“In the field, many fishing vessel crew members still work without clear contracts, safety training, or adequate social security. The ratification of C188 must serve as the foundation for improving recruitment systems, labour protection, and law enforcement in the fisheries sector,” she said.

Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation, said: “Ratifying ILO Convention 188 is a vital step towards securing safe, fair and humane conditions for fishers, and I applaud the Indonesian government for doing so. But ratification alone is not enough. Robust implementation, enforcement and transparency are essential to end exploitation at sea and to ensure a sustainable, legal and ethical fishing industry that respects both people and the ocean. I also call on other Southeast Asian states to follow Indonesia’s example and ratify it now.”

Civil society groups stress that this must be the starting point for broader reform. Without swift, transparent and enforceable action, the rights promised on paper will remain out of reach for thousands of workers at sea. With decisive implementation, Indonesia can lead the region in ending exploitation, protecting livelihoods and securing a truly sustainable future for its fisheries.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Team 9 and the Labour Union/Fisheries Labour Union Network are civil society coalitions comprising trade unions and civil society organisations working to reform Indonesia’s fisheries sector and advance protections under ILO Convention No. 188. Adopted in 2007, the Convention sets minimum standards for working conditions, safety, medical care, food, accommodation and social protection for fisheries workers.

About EJF

Our work to secure environmental justice aims to protect our global climate, ocean, forests, wetlands, wildlife and defend the fundamental human right to a secure natural environment, recognising that all other rights are contingent on this. EJF works internationally to inform policy and drive systemic, durable reforms to protect our environment and defend human rights. We investigate and expose abuses and support environmental defenders, Indigenous peoples, communities, and independent journalists on the frontlines of environmental injustice. Our campaigns aim to secure peaceful, equitable and sustainable futures. Our investigators, researchers, filmmakers, and campaigners work with grassroots partners and environmental defenders across the globe. For more information or to organise an interview with one of our team, please contact media@ejfoundation.org.