Indonesian fishermen have launched a new Fishers’ Rights Network (FRN) Policy Platform, issuing a direct challenge to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian House of Representatives to take immediate, concrete action to deliver justice, protection, and decent livelihoods across Indonesia’s fisheries sector.
Launched at a public policy dialogue in Jakarta, the platform brings together fishers, trade unions, and representatives of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). The event was organised by Indonesian fishers’ unions Serikat Pekerja Perikanan Indonesia (SPPI) and Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia (KPI), with support from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
‘Fishers are essential to Indonesia’s economy, yet many still work without contracts, without safety guarantees, and without access to justice,’ stated Ilyas Pangestu of SPPI, commenting that the policy platform is not just a statement of principles, but a call for concrete action.
‘This platform makes it clear what must change, and it makes clear who is responsible. Fishers and their unions must be at the table in every decision that affects our lives and our work.’
The Policy Platform calls for urgent action to address persistent exploitation, unsafe working conditions, weak enforcement of labour protections, and barriers to justice faced by fishing vessel crew members. It makes clear that all fishers – regardless of location, flag, or employment status – are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, full legal protection, fair wages, and the right to organise and bargain collectively.
The FRN Policy Platform was endorsed by fishers’ unions at the ITF Fishers’ Rights Network Policy and Advocacy Symposium in Bali in December 2025, and represents a unified position from fishers’ organisations across Indonesia demanding accountability from government, employers, and supply-chain actors.
The platform makes three clear demands – for the government to take steps to realise justice, protection, and a decent livelihood for all fishers, including fishing vessel crew members, for employers to be held fully responsible for guaranteeing and fulfilling fishers’ rights, including safety, contracts, wages, and social protection, and for community leaders, religious leaders, seafaring communities, and the wider public to actively support and demand strong policies to protect fishers and hold decision-makers to account.
The platform further call for full occupational safety and health protections for all fishers; the guaranteed right to organise, unionise, and enter into collective bargaining agreements; and the ratification, effective implementation, and enforcement of ILO Convention 188. It also calls for mandatory pre-departure training for all fishers, full access to justice, legal assistance, and effective remedies, and the serious enforcement of existing laws – backed by regular monitoring and the active involvement of unions and civil society to end impunity in the fisheries sector.
‘For too long, fishers have paid the price for weak enforcement, unsafe vessels, and a system that treats them as disposable labour,’ said Dewa Budiasa, General Secretary of KPI.
‘This platform is a clear message to government and employers: fishers deserve protection, dignity, and a real voice – and we will continue to organise until these rights are delivered.’
