Understanding working conditions of fishers in Indonesia: Evidence from the 2024 Survey on Decent Work in Marine Fishing

This report presents the findings of Indonesia’s first-ever Survey on Decent Work in Marine Fishing, conducted by the ILO in collaboration with the Research Center for Population of the National Research and Innovation Agency (PRK-BRIN). The survey results are enriched by qualitative research, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and stakeholder consultation workshops.

Indonesia has ratified 9 of 11 ILO fundamental instruments and is advancing fishers’ welfare through legal reforms. Recently, the Ministries of Manpower and Marine Affairs strengthened joint inspections to enhance enforcement and remediation efforts. Initiatives such as the Trade Union Network, the 2024 Migrant Resource Center, and the integration of human rights into due diligence and fair recruitment practices further demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to improving labour standards.

The Decent Work Survey in Marine Fishing is another significant step toward promoting Decent Work in the sector. As the first country to undertake this survey, Indonesia is leading the way in ensuring transparency in the fishing industry, guided by the principle that what isn’t measured can’t be improved. Conducted over one year, from November 2023 to September 2024, the survey covered 3,396 fishers in 18 ports, representing four types of ports, namely Sea Fisheries Ports (PPS), Nusantara Shipping Port (PPN), Coastal Waters Ports (PPP) and Fish Landing Bases (PPI).  The survey focuses on labour-related issues for Indonesian fishers working onboard Indonesian fishing vessels. 

The survey strengthens evidence of severe violations of workers' rights, including forced labour and trafficking for forced labour. It supports the ILO's mission to eliminate forced labour through its 8.7 Accelerator Lab Programme and aligns with the efforts of the Blue Fairness Initiative, an ILO’s partner.

Content available in English or Bahasa Indonesia.

IOM-MPI Issue in Brief No. 1 - Labour Migration from Colombo Process Countries: Good practices, challenges and ways forward

International migration has occurred throughout history and regions of the world. Human mobility to, from and within Asia, however, has certain distinctive features, and Asia represents arguably the most dynamic region, with significant intra- and extra-regional migration and some countries being simultaneously origins of and destinations for migrants. 

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific today launched an issue briefs series focusing in particular on labour migration in the region. The eight-part series also will examine diaspora engagement in Asia and climate-induced migration.

The first issue brief, Labour Migration from the Colombo Process Countries, examines labour migration from the 11 Colombo Process countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam). In 2010, an estimated 4.2 million workers migrated from these countries through official channels, many leaving on a temporary basis to work in the Middle East. 

The Philippines sent the largest number (nearly 1.5 million), followed by India (641,000) and Indonesia (576,000). Overall, an estimated 44.7 million migrants from the region are living outside their country of origin. 

Since 2005, the Colombo Process countries have taken concrete, proactive steps to manage the migration flows and protect their citizens working abroad, strengthening their legislative and administrative frameworks addressing recruitment regulation and welfare protection, as well as signing new accords with key destination countries. Despite the progress, however, the brief details a number of remaining challenges and highlights 10 possible areas of focus for governments.

“Governments in Colombo Process countries face a formidable task: creating efficient and equitable migration systems that benefit labour migrants and their families while contributing to long-term economic growth and development in countries of origin and destination,” said Andy Bruce, IOM regional director for Asia and the Pacific.

In June, IOM and MPI will publish the second issue brief, this one focusing on migrant health issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Subsequent briefs will be published every month through December, and will be available at IOM Online Bookstore and Migration Policy Institute.