To strengthen the protection and welfare of fishers and fishing vessel crews, a meeting was held to review the implementation of regulations on fishers or fishing vessel crews’ protection and fishing profit-sharing. This initiative was part of the implementation of Law No. 7 of 2016 on the Protection and Empowerment of Fishers, Law No. 16 of 1968 on Fishing Profit-Sharing, and a shared commitment to ensure the rights and responsibilities of Indonesian fishers are upheld fairly and humanely.

A group photo of the Review Meeting on the Implementation of Regulations on Fisher and Fishing Vessel Crew Protection and Fishing Profit-Sharing. It was attended by various parties, including KKP representatives, academics, researchers, fisher organizations, NGOs and cooperatives, WWF GEF Agency representatives, and PMU CFI Indonesia (June 9, 2025).

The meeting was funded through the CFI Indonesia GEF 6 grant and organized by the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). It was held at Mercure Hotel on Sabang, Jakarta (June 9, 2025). A total of 45 participants from various sectors attended the meeting, including KKP representatives, academics, researchers, fisher organizations, NGOs and cooperatives, WWF GEF Agency representatives, and PMU CFI Indonesia.

Mahrus, S.St.Pi., M.Si., Director of Protection and Empowerment of Fishermen, representing the Acting Director General of Capture Fisheries, delivered a heartfelt message. He emphasized that protection for fishers is not just about regulations but about justice and humanity. He pointed out that several existing laws, such as Law No. 16 of 1964 and Law No. 7 of 2016, haven’t fully addressed the realities in the field. Therefore, he stressed the need for policy harmonization.

“If the state wants to be present, it shouldn't just be on paper. We must ensure that there are fair labor agreements, social security, and a humane profit-sharing system. These should be in line with international standards such as those contained in ILO Convention C-188/2007 on Work in Fishing,” he added.

Mochamad Idnillah, Director of Fishing Vessel and Fishing Gears (KAPI), also raised the issue of fisher protection. Based on the Minister’s recent working visit to Dobo (Aru Islands, Maluku) for the PIT modeling launch, reports emerged indicating slavery practices aboard fishing vessels—both foreign and Indonesian vessels.

Dr. Akhmad Solihin from IPB University presented findings from PKSPL’s study at PPSNZ Jakarta on several fleets. He reported that many fishers, especially fishing crew, are still subjected to exploitative working conditions, including forced labor, modern slavery, and human rights violations. “Work hours often exceed 14 hours/day; no leave during operations; work permits are issued under special conditions; most are paid monthly salaries (where only 10% were compliant with regulated minimum wage); no sailing or overtime allowances. Furthermore, 41% of crew lack certification—including skippers and chief engineers,” Solihin explained.

From the fisher organizations’ side, Sugeng from the Indonesian Traditional Fisherfolk Union (KNTI) highlighted the importance of protecting small-scale fishers’ incomes, which aren’t properly certain nor guaranteed. He also called on the government to ensure the distribution of subsidized fuel to small-scale fishers.

Regarding profit-sharing, Sugeng reported that at Bajomulyo Coastal Fishing Port (PPP), two wage systems are applied for fishing crews: profit-sharing and incentive-based payments.

Purnomo, representing the Mitra Nelayan Samudera Cooperative, expressed concern over crew protection during legal violations at sea. He stated that violations are often committed by officers, but it is the crew who suffer the consequences.

Ayu from Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) presented research results related to wage issues on industrial vessels. She concluded that the amount of wages is highly dependent on the policies of each company and the crew's productivity premium. “The problems that occur include the discrepancy between the wages received and those in the work agreement as well as the absence of company’s transparency in regulating the wage system," Ayu said.

Dr. Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of CFI Indonesia, also appreciated the meeting and encouraged the dialogue to continue. He reaffirmed CFI Indonesia’s commitment to supporting the development of inclusive protection and profit-sharing systems, especially to address challenges faced by small-scale operators.

Anton Wijonarno from WWF GEF Agency also responded positively to the meeting. He said that the discussion regarding fisher and fishing vessel crew protection aligns with the GEF project's principles of safeguards and gender. “Gender issues are not limited to women's participation, but they also include the access of vulnerable and marginalized groups to resources, as well as human rights in fair and sustainable resource management," said Anton.

Muhammad Abdi Suhufan, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on Fisher and Fishing Vessel Crew Protection, also attended and praised the meeting. He encouraged the identification of clear definitions and scopes of fishers and fishing crews, as well as real field problems. Abdi also hoped that the meeting would lead to the development of academic papers which could serve as policy bases.

This meeting represents an important first step in the reformulation process of policies on protection and profit-sharing in fisheries, involving all stakeholders collaboratively to improve the welfare of Indonesian fishers.