Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has signed Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026, ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188 to ensure the protection and welfare of fishers across Indonesia.”I have just signed Presidential Regulation No. 25 of 2026 regarding the Ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 188, to ensure the protection and welfare of fishing vessel crews,” he announced at the International Workers' Day commemoration in Jakarta on Friday.The ratification is part of the government’s strategic efforts to strengthen labor protections, particularly for fishing crew members who have historically faced significant challenges regarding workplace safety and welfare.The presidential regulation aims to bolster legal protections and improve the welfare of fishing vessel crews while ensuring decent working conditions in line with international standards.The regulation is designed to prevent exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking within the maritime sector.It addresses several critical aspects, including minimum age requirements, medical examinations, and written employment contracts.Additionally, it ensures fair wage guarantees and establishes regulated working and rest hours to improve operational safety.Furthermore, it regulates the provision of accommodation, food, medical services, and social security on board.The ratification is Indonesia's strategic measure as a maritime nation to close loopholes in legal protection for crew members working both domestically and on foreign-flagged vessels.In addition to ratifying the convention, President Prabowo highlighted the Red and White Fishing Village program aimed at improving the living standards of coastal communities in Indonesia, with 1,386 fishing villages set to be inaugurated this year.He noted that the program will be implemented in phases over the coming years, with a target of developing 1,500 fishing villages annually.According to the president, this program is projected to improve the welfare of approximately six million fishers and their families, impacting more than 20 million people across the country.“Many fishers have long sailed without ice, so we decided to build ice plants in every fishing village,” President Prabowo remarked, adding that the government will also provide fishing vessels.