Indonesian fishers remain vulnerable to exploitation
JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) — A survey by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that fishing crew members continue to face serious rights violations, including forced labor, lack of written contracts, excessive working hours, and inadequate access to social protection.
The survey, conducted between November 2023 and September 2024, interviewed 3,396 fishing crew members across 18 ports in Indonesia.
It aimed to assess working conditions on fishing vessels by measuring key indicators such as recruitment processes, employment status, wages, working hours, occupational safety and health (OSH), social security coverage, freedom of association, and the prevalence of child labor and forced labor.
According to the findings, over 90 percent of fishing crew members do not have written employment contracts, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and wage theft. The lack of formal agreements means many workers are unaware of their rights and obligations, increasing the risk of abuse.
“These findings reinforce the urgent need for stronger labor protections in the fishing sector. Reliable data like this survey is crucial in designing effective policies and interventions to ensure decent working conditions,” Gita Lingga, ILO Communications Staff, said in a statement.
One of the most alarming discoveries of the study was the prevalence of forced labor. The survey identified nearly 1,000 fishing crew members working under conditions that meet the criteria for forced labor.
These individuals were subjected to confiscation of passports and seafarer’s books, threats of violence or job loss, and wage deductions. Many of them were also unable to leave their jobs due to debt bondage, either to vessel owners, captains, or recruitment agents.
In addition to these forced labor cases, illegal recruitment practices were found to be widespread. The study revealed that many crew members were recruited informally, without proper documentation or adherence to national and international labor standards, including the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188) of 2007.
Excessive working hours were another major issue identified in the survey. Many fishing crew members worked prolonged shifts with irregular or insufficient rest periods, making it difficult to differentiate between work time and rest time. The report highlighted that these extreme working conditions led to fatigue, increased the risk of accidents, and created hazardous work environments.
Safety concerns were also prominent, with many fishing workers facing dangerous working conditions, limited access to proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and a lack of emergency protocols. Risks included exposure to harsh weather, mechanical hazards, and onboard conflicts.
“Ensuring better safety conditions for fishing crew members is not only a matter of human rights but also essential for sustaining the industry in the long run,” the report stated.
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