Bali, October 2, 2025 — DFW Indonesia, with support from the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) Indonesia, conducted an Awareness Training for Fishing Vessel Crews at the Meeting Hall of the Indonesian Seafarers and Fisheries Workers Union (known as Kesatuan Pelaut dan Pekerja Perikanan Indonesia or KP3I) in Bali that is also expected to serve as an important platform to unify understanding of the rights and responsibilities of workers on board vessels, as well as to provide a space for dialogue and sharing experiences among fisheries workers.
Imam Trihatmadja, Program Director of DFW Indonesia, stated that this activity was carried out in response to the low awareness and knowledge among fishing vessel crew members about working conditions on board, their rights and obligations, as well as the basic skills and expertise they need to have. “This training provides basic knowledge and equips fishing vessel crew members so that they understand the strategic role of workers in the capture fisheries production chain,” said Imam.
The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of labor rights, safety standards aboard vessels, and reporting mechanisms for violations. The training content was designed to address real challenges faced by crew members in the field. Participants were given in-depth understanding of the importance of official documents such as the Seafarer Employment Agreement (known as Perjanjian Kerja Laut or PKL) and the seaman’s book. The training also emphasized the importance of social security and legal protection for fisheries workers.
Kartono, Head of the Pengambengan National Fishing Port, stated that the activity was very helpful in guiding and educating crew members, while also promoting responsible crew management aboard fishing vessels. According to him, those working as fishers must fulfill the requirements outlined in Ministerial Regulation No. 33 of 2021. The regulation covers not only the criteria for becoming a fisher but also the seaworthiness of vessels. “Crew members must have a Seaman’s Book and be certified in Basic Safety Training (BST). The vessel must also meet three seaworthiness requirements: navigational, fishing, and storage capability,” Kartono said.
Crew members who are going out to sea must also be registered with social security and must read and sign the Seafarer Employment Agreement. The fulfillment of PKL and seaworthiness requirements must be met by both the workers and vessel owners. Facilitator from DFW Indonesia, Laode Hardiani, said there are four key problem areas faced by fisheries crew: recruitment, working conditions, non-transparent wage systems, and certification and competency.
“To become a crew member, it is important to understand the various risks and forms of protection while working onboard. This will help you be more alert to workplace hazards, protect yourself from exploitation, prevent major losses, and even improve your bargaining power,” said Diani.
Understanding these risks and protection mechanisms also helps crew members utilize complaint mechanisms, such as those provided by NFC Indonesia.
Nilmawati from IPNLF Indonesia stated that the crew profession is a vital element in supporting the sustainability of Indonesia’s fishing industry, but the work is full of risks. Therefore, the training was held to strengthen protection and improve the bargaining position of fisheries workers to create a safer and fairer working environment. “With strong awareness and adequate skills, workers’ bargaining power will improve. That’s why training like this is crucial to enhancing the value and reputation of crew members,” said Nilma.
These discussions provided a safe space for participants to voice their concerns and challenges. Some shared bitter experiences of being recruited by irresponsible brokers. Others told stories about inhumane working conditions onboard. Through this exchange, participants found solidarity and learned from one another’s experiences. “One time, I got a job offer from Facebook — thankfully it turned out okay. But my friend got scammed by a broker. Same thing — a job post from Facebook,” shared Ani, a participant and crew member.
The increasing awareness and knowledge among fishing vessel crew members is marked by their desire to obtain official documents and avoid brokers. Monitoring is conducted to ensure that participants genuinely apply the knowledge they have gained. DFW Indonesia also encourages the improvement of digital literacy so that crew members can more easily access information, education, and complaint services independently. The use of platforms such as NFC Indonesia can serve as an alternative solution that all fisheries workers can benefit from.
