Regulatory Update: Indonesia Ratifies ILO Convention No. 188 through Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026
by Setyawati Fitrianggraeni and Tiara Amanda Putri
Overview
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia officially enacted Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 on 24 April 2026, establishing the legal framework for the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (Convention No. 188).(1) The ratification reflects the government’s strategic commitment to addressing the challenges faced by fishers, whose work is classified as a 3D occupation (Dirty, Dangerous, and Difficult), and to improving protection in a sector that continues to experience high rates of workplace accidents and fatalities at sea.(2) Through this regulation, the government seeks to address legal gaps arising from the dual regulatory framework under the Manpower Law and the Commercial Code or Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Dagang (KUHD), which has historically limited the scope of statutory protections available to fishers and other maritime workers.(3) The ratification also integrates the human competency standards set out in the STCW-F 1995 Convention, as ratified under Presidential Regulation No. 18 of 2019, with international decent work standards, thereby strengthening the flag State’s capacity to safeguard human rights within the maritime sector.(2)
The regulation is expected to be fully implemented by June 2027, following a one-year transition period to facilitate the alignment and synchronization of relevant national regulatory frameworks.(4) As part of its supporting initiatives, the government aims to enhance the welfare of fishing communities through the establishment of 1,386 fishing villages, the construction of ice production facilities, and the provision of fishing vessels to modernize small-scale fisheries infrastructure.(5) Cross-ministerial joint inspections will also strengthen oversight, ensuring industry compliance and supporting the competitiveness of Indonesian fishery products in global markets that require decent work standards.(4)
Key Highlights
- Formalization of Working Conditions and Minimum Social Protection
Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 adopts minimum standards for work on fishing vessels, requiring vessel owners and competent authorities to ensure the health and safety of fishers in accordance with international standards.(1) Workers on fishing vessels must be at least 16 years of age. However, the competent authority may permit employment from the age of 15 for individuals who are no longer subject to compulsory education under national law and who are enrolled in vocational training related to the fishing industry. These requirements are supported by competency oversight, social security protection, and a minimum 10-hour rest period within every 24 hours to mitigate fatigue-related accidents at sea.(6)
- Formalization of Decent Work Standards and Employment Relations
Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 seeks to establish decent work standards in the commercial fishing sector by incorporating the provisions of ILO Convention No. 188 into Indonesia’s national legal framework.(7) This regulation applies to the Government of Indonesia as the competent authority,(7) fishing vessel owners as employers, and all fishers working on board fishing vessels.(6) The regulation also requires all fishers to have a written employment agreement outlining their rights, wages, and working conditions in accordance with international standards.(1)
- Standardization of Accommodation, Living Conditions, and Occupational Safety
The regulation sets minimum standards for onboard accommodation and living facilities to safeguard the health and well-being of fishers during their time at sea. Vessel owners are required to provide adequate sleeping quarters, medical equipment, and occupational safety measures, while masters are responsible for ensuring day-to-day compliance with health and safety standards. Furthermore, vessel owners are required to provide nutritious food and drinking water free of charge, and to ensure that sleeping quarters are adequately ventilated, with minimum berth dimensions of 198cm by 80cm on vessels measuring 24 meters or more.(6)
- Guaranteeing Repatriation Rights and Social Protection
The regulation guarantees fishers’ right to repatriation and access to social protection. Repatriation is available when an employment agreement expires or is lawfully terminated while the fisher is in a foreign port. Repatriation costs must be borne entirely by vessel owners, while the government ensures that fishers and their dependents are covered by social protection schemes against work-related illness, injury, and death.(6)
References
1. Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan. Siaran Pers Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan. 2026. Indonesia Ratifikasi Konvensi ILO 188 untuk Lindungi Awak Kapal Perikanan. Available from: https://kkp.go.id/news/news-detail/indonesia-ratifikasi-konvensi-ilo-188-untuk-lindungi-awak-kapal-perikanan-3y3r.html
2. Siregar ES, Januardani T, Ningsih N, Setiawan MA, Suherman JK. Implementasi Norma Internasional mengenai Safety at Sea bagi Awak Kapal Perikanan ke dalam Hukum Nasional. J-CEKI: Jurnal Cendekia Ilmiah. 2026 Apr 4;5(3):1253–63. Available from: https://al-haramjournal.com/index.php/J-CEKI/article/view/15408
3. Andriyani T. Berita Universitas Gadjah Mada. 2026. Perlindungan Hukum Awak Kapal Perikanan Pasca Ratifikasi ILO 188 Perlu Dikawal. Available from: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/perlindungan-hukum-awak-kapal-perikanan-pasca-ratifikasi-ilo-188-perlu-dikawal/
4. Ambari M. Mongabay. 2026. Indonesia Ratifikasi ILO 188, Menanti Perlindungan Serius Awak Kapal Perikanan. Available from: https://mongabay.co.id/2026/05/30/indonensia-ratifikasi-ilo-188-untuk-lindungi-awak-kapal-perikanan/
5. Humas. Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia. 2026. Presiden Prabowo Tandatangani Perpres Ratifikasi Konvensi ILO 188, Kesejahteraan Nelayan Jadi Prioritas Negara. Available from: https://setkab.go.id/presiden-prabowo-tandatangani-perpres-ratifikasi-konvensi-ilo-188-kesejahteraan-nelayan-jadi-prioritas-negara/
6. International Labour Organization Convention No. 188 of 2007 on Work in Fishing.
7. Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 25 of 2026 on the Ratification of the Convention concerning Work in the Fishing Sector, International Labour Organization Convention No. 188.
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