Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, October 5, 2026 at 03:15 AM UTC

Ministry presses for legality of fishing vessel manning agencies

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Suharsana Aji, Raka Adji

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries will require all manning agencies that place fisheries workers to be legally registered to ensure its optimal operations.

The policy is regulated under Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 4 of 2026 on Fishery Vessel Crew Management, Education, Training, Examination, and Certification.

The Ministry's Director of Fishing Vessels and Fishing Gear, Mochhamad Idnillah, said in Jakarta on Sunday (Sept 4) that fishing vessel owners who fail to recruit through officially registered manning agencies would not be issued sailing permits.

"That is one of the steps we are taking to crack down on crew recruitment issues, as it is key to successful vessel operations, including crew competency," he remarked.

He said mapping across several ports and certain types of fishing vessels revealed that crew recruitment still relies on individual brokers or middlemen.

Idnillah explained problems often stem from recruitment promises, where crew members are offered substantial cash advances, only to receive far less than promised by the time the vessel sets sail.

He further said other issues on fishing vessels often involve penalties if catch targets are not met, as well as disputes over profit sharing.

The Ministry then continues to step up protections for fishing vessel crews, underscoring Indonesia's commitment following the ratification of ILO Convention Number 188 on Work in Fishing under Presidential Regulation Number 25 of 2026.

The protections are further strengthened through Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 4 of 2026, which aligns national standards with international crew welfare frameworks.

The regulation sets out key requirements for fisheries workers, including a minimum age of 18, possession of a fishing seaman's book, competency certification, medical clearance, social security coverage, seafarers' employment agreements, and placement through official channels.

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