Benoa, January 24, 2025 – Benoa is the second-largest distribution hub for export fisheries products in Indonesia, after Muara Baru, Jakarta. In Benoa, there are approximately 2,000 workers in fish processing units and between 13,000 to 15,000 fishing vessel crew members working at various fishing companies. According to a 2023 study by DFW Indonesia on the condition of Fisheries Workers at Benoa Harbor, there is a gap between the management of fisheries workers as outlined in regulations and its actual implementation.
DFW Indonesia, in collaboration with the Bali Marine and Fisheries Office, has carried out the activity titled “Initiation of the Formation of a Regional Forum for the Protection of Fisheries Workers and Fishermen in Bali Province.” This event was held at the Meeting Hall of the Bali Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Office, attended by the representatives from government agencies, business actors, NGOs, trade unions, and media.
The discussion was opened by I Putu Sumardiana, Head of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of providing protection regulation and programs for fisheries workers, especially Fishing Vessel Crew (AKP) in Bali. “Fishing Vessel Crew often face discrimination, which is why the establishment of a regional forum for the protection of fisheries workers and fishermen is necessary,”said Putu.
Therefore, they see the importance of establishing this regional forum as an initial step toward providing protection for fishery workers, especially in the Bali region. “This institution is currently in the process and will soon be established after the inauguration of the elected Governor and Vice Governor of Bali in February 2025,” said Putu.
On the same occasion, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Tuna Longline Association (ATLI), Nyoman Sudarta, said that this forum initiative is very strategic as a multi-stakeholder fisheries forum for the province of Bali.
“The entrepreneurs have worked to ensure that Fishing Vessel Crew members have BPJS Employment Insurance, and to date, 90% of the Fishing Vessel Crew members are covered by BPJS Employment Insurance. Often, the fishery crew members do not have valid ID cards, so the entrepreneurs register them with private insurance.”
The National Coordinator of Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia, Moh Abdi Suhufan, appreciated and supported this initiative because it aligns with DFW’s advocacy efforts with the government to improve the protection standards for fishing vessel crews. ‘Protection and oversight of fishing vessel crews are the responsibility of both the central and regional governments, so this initiative is relevant to ensure holistic protection for fishery workers in Bali,’ said Abdi.
On December 13, 2024, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Manpower regarding the synergy of governance in the capture fisheries sector and the enhancement of safety and security protections for fishery workers.”
“The Cooperation Agreement is expected to strengthen the protection of fishery workers to ensure their welfare and legal certainty, thus reducing labor violations,” said Abdi.