President Prabowo Prioritizes Maritime Welfare with ILO Convention Ratification and Infrastructure Push
The Indonesian government is launching a systemic effort to elevate the status and living standards of the nation’s fishing communities. President Prabowo Subianto has signaled a shift in national priority, moving from a model of basic survival to one of modern stability for millions of maritime workers. This strategy combines new legal protections with a massive rollout of coastal infrastructure designed to ensure that those who provide the nation’s food security are no longer overlooked.
Legal Protections: Ratifying ILO Convention 188
In a landmark move during the May Day commemorations on May 1, 2026, President Prabowo signed Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 25 of 2026. This regulation ratifies the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188, which focuses on the Work in Fishing Convention.
By ratifying this convention, the Indonesian state is now legally bound to uphold higher standards for the safety and well-being of fishing vessel crews. The move is intended to provide comprehensive protection for workers in the maritime sector, ensuring that their rights and welfare are treated as a national priority rather than an afterthought.
Massive Infrastructure Rollout: The Fishing Village Program
Beyond legal frameworks, the administration is implementing an aggressive infrastructure plan to revitalize coastal communities. The government intends to inaugurate 1,386 fishing villages across Indonesia this year. President Prabowo described this initiative as a “historic first in the Republic,” noting that the fisheries sector has never been managed with such focused intensity.
The expansion is planned to continue at a significant scale, with the government aiming to open an additional 1,500 fishing villages annually over the next three years. This program targets the improvement of lives for approximately 6 million fishermen, which the administration estimates will bring greater prosperity to over 20 million Indonesians when including their families.
Direct Engagement and Grassroots Presence
On May 9, 2026, President Prabowo visited the Red and White Fishing Village (Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih / KNMP) in Leato Selatan, Gorontalo City, to personally inspect the conditions of local fishing communities. During his visit, he acknowledged the extreme risks inherent in the profession, stating, “The sea is no joke.”
The President emphasized that fishermen have historically received insufficient attention from the state, remarking that “fishermen are often forgotten.” He reaffirmed that the current government is determined to be more present for grassroots communities, including both farmers and fishermen, to ensure they receive the recognition and respect their contributions to national food needs deserve.
Key Takeaways for Indonesia’s Maritime Sector
- Legal Safeguards: The ratification of ILO Convention 188 via Perpres 25/2026 legally mandates the protection and welfare of fishing vessel crews.
- Infrastructure Scale: 1,386 fishing villages are set for inauguration this year, with 1,500 more planned annually for the next three years.
- Demographic Impact: The government’s initiatives aim to benefit 6 million fishermen and an estimated 20 million total family members.
- Policy Shift: The administration is transitioning maritime support from “basic survival” toward “modern stability” and increased government presence.
As Indonesia integrates these international labor standards with domestic infrastructure growth, the focus remains on transforming the maritime sector into a sustainable engine of prosperity. By combining legal mandates with physical investment, the government aims to secure the livelihoods of those operating in one of the world’s most challenging environments.