EU-ILO joint visit highlights progress in labour rights for Indonesian fishers in Central Java

EU-ILO joint visit highlights progress in labour rights for Indonesian fishers in Central Java

The joint visit to Central Java highlights the collaborative efforts of the Government of Indonesia, the European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to advance labour protection in the fishing industry.

A high-level delegation from the Embassies of the EU Member States in Indonesia, the EU Delegation and ILO visited Central Java on 9-10 September 2024 to gain further insights about joint efforts to promote safe labour migration and decent work for fishers which have been supported by the EU-funded Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia (S2SR SEA) programme. The visit included observation of port activities and learning about the joint monitoring of labour conditions on fishing vessels, the operations of the Migrant Worker Resource Centre (MRC), and engagement with fishers from Central Java.

As Central Java is also a key province of origin for Indonesian fishers seeking work on foreign fleets, the S2SR SEA programme supports the Serikat Buruh Migran Indonesia (SBMI/Indonesian Migrant Workers Trade Union) to operate a Migrant Worker Resource Center (MRC) in Tegal to provide direct services and support to Indonesian migrant fishers and their families.

During the visit, the Ambassadors of the EU Member States and the EU Delegation observed activities at the Port of Tegalsari and gained insights into joint labour monitoring process. They also met with key stakeholders, including local government representatives, workers' union and migrant fishers to discuss the challenges faced and explore potential solutions.

The EU Ambassador to Indonesia, emphasised the strong partnership between the EU and Indonesia, particularly in areas related to decent work and human rights. "Indonesia is a leading global seafood producer. As a strong export market for Indonesia, the EU is committed to supporting the archipelago's efforts to maintain its leadership in this sector. By working together, we can ensure that Indonesia's blue economy continues to thrive while prioritising the safety and well-being of its workers, as well as its sustainability," the EU Ambassador,H.E. Denis Chaibi, said.

Since 2020, the ILO's S2SR SEA programme, funded by the EU, has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and Central Java authorities to develop robust laws and policies for monitoring of working conditions on fishing vessels. This resulted in a groundbreaking Joint Monitoring Team for Labour Norms on Fisheries Vessels at Fishing Ports within the jurisdiction of Central Java province, which was endorsed by the Decree of the Regional Secretary of Central Java Province Number 523/012 Year of 2023.

"The Central Java government is proud to be part of this significant initiative. Ensuring robust labour protections on fishing vessels is crucial to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our fishers," said Sumarno, Regional Secretary of Central Java Province.

During their visit to the Tegalsari Fishing Port, the delegation from the EU Member States and the EU Delegation had the opportunity to witness firsthand the efforts made by the Central Java government to promote safe labour migration and decent work for fishers. They met with Indonesian migrant fishers to gain insights of their experience and challenges, and to learn about the support system in place to protect their rights. One of which is the Migrant Worker Resource Centre (MRC) in Tegal operated by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI), a pioneering initiative dedicated to assist migrant fishers. Established in April 2024 with the support of the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia programme, the MRC provides essential information and resources to prospective migrant workers and offers assistance to access remedies.

The delegation from the EU Member States, the EU Delegation and ILO expressed their appreciation for Central Java's leadership in protecting the maritime worker's rights and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the EU, Indonesia, and the ILO, to ensure the well-being of Indonesian migrant fishers.

"Migrant fishers often work in some of the most challenging environments, and protecting their rights is non-negotiable. This visit highlights the progress being made on the ground, showing that when governments, unions, and international partners come together, we can create safer, fairer conditions for fishers to ensure no fisher is left behind," said Simrin Singh, Director for the ILO Country Office for Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

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About Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia Programme

Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia is a multi-country, multi-annual initiative of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), implemented under the leadership of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and in collaboration with International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its overriding objective is to promote regular and safe labour migration and decent work in the fishing and seafood processing sectors in Southeast Asia. The programme addresses the characteristics of working in the fishing and seafood processing sectors as well as the barriers and risks present during migration, which can lead to unsafe migration, decent work deficits, abuse and forced labour.

About the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Indonesia

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men. The ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for creating international regulations and legislation that guarantee certain norms for working conditions in each country. The ILO becomes the ninth organisation to be awarded the Nobel Prize. Indonesia and the ILO have collaborated very closely since Indonesia became a member of the ILO on 12 June 1950. The ILO collaborates closely with the Indonesian government, employers' organisations and trade union confederations as key employment actors. To date, Indonesia has ratified 20 ILO Conventions, including nine basic ILO Conventions on rights at work.

About the European Union

The European Union (EU) is the economic and political union of 27 Member States with a population of 447 million. Together, the EU has built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedom. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the goals of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. The EU is the world's largest trading bloc, and the world's largest source and destination of foreign direct investment. Collectively, the EU and its Member States are the largest donors of Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing more than half of ODA globally. The 27 Member States of the EU (in protocol order) are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.

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