Jakarta (ANTARA) – The ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188 through Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 is a “special gift” from President Prabowo Subianto for all fishing vessel crew members in domestic waters and migrant crew members on foreign vessels, according to a minister.”The ratification of ILO 188 is a milestone legal document, a strong international protection for 'family warriors' at sea. This is the answer to the crew members' longing for justice and equal protection,” Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin said in his statement, Friday.He considers the ratification as concrete measure in strengthening the protection and welfare of workers in the maritime sector, which has historically been fraught with risks.Mukhtarudin explained that the global fisheries sector has often been overshadowed by issues of exploitation and modern slavery.Through this ratification, Indonesia's diplomatic position on the international stage has become much more solid in urging foreign vessel-owning countries to comply with international labor standards.He added that post-ratification, crew members will experience significant positive impacts through the strengthening of four main pillars of protection.First, increased legal protection that closes gaps in national regulations, so that crew members on foreign vessels now have a binding international legal basis to assert their rights.Second, the creation of humane work standards through the guarantee of written employment contracts, adequate rest hours and access to adequate social and health insurance.Third, strengthening Occupational Safety and Health (K3) aspects, which regulate strict safety procedures on board vessels to reduce the risk of work accidents on the high seas.”Finally, this policy will promote transparency in recruitment by tightening oversight of placement agencies, aiming to eradicate fraud and all forms of human trafficking in the maritime sector,” he said.Mukhtarudin emphasized that the P2MI Ministry will immediately coordinate across ministries/agencies to ensure the effective implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026.”We have heard the voices of labor and environmental activists. This ratification is a major first step, and our next task is to ensure that every point of this international agreement is realized in real protection on board ships, not just on paper,” he said.He also hopes that this policy will not only enhance Indonesia's international reputation but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable and ethical national fishing industry.