Indonesia becomes the 27th ILO Member State to ratify Convention No. 188
10 June 2026
On 10 June 2026, the Government of Indonesia has deposited with the Director-General of the International Labour Office the instruments of ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), marking a significant step towards improving working and living conditions for fishers in the country and across the Asia-Pacific region.
The instrument of ratification was deposited during the International Labour Conference. At the ceremony, H.E. Prof. Yassierli PhD, the Minister of Manpower of Indonesia said: “Indonesia’s ratification of Convention No. 188 reflects our commitment to ensuring decent work, occupational safety and health, and fair treatment for fishers. We believe that stronger labour standards will contribute to a more sustainable, productive, and globally competitive fishing industry”.
Receiving the instrument, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo welcomed the ratification, noting Indonesia’s major role in the global fishing industry and the importance of strengthening labour protections in a sector that remains among the world’s most hazardous occupations.
Convention No. 188 establishes minimum standards for decent work on board fishing vessels, covering issues such as work agreements, occupational safety and health, medical care, accommodation, food, rest periods and social security.
As one of the world’s largest fishing nations and a major source country for migrant fishers, Indonesia’s ratification is expected to contribute significantly to advancing decent work in fisheries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Indonesia’s ratification comes at a time of growing global momentum for Convention No. 188. The ILO has recently launched the Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries.
The campaign was launched at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and hosted its first high-level event in Brussels in March 2026, bringing together governments, social partners and key stakeholders to advance the global ratification agenda.
Indonesia becomes the 27th ILO Member State to ratify Convention No. 188. The Convention will enter into force for Indonesia 12 months after the date of ratification.
