In a major step toward improving labour conditions in Indonesia's fishing sector, the Provincial Government of North Kalimantan, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), officially launch its Joint Inspection Team for Labour Norms onboard Fishing Vessels on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, in Tarakan Island City. The ceremony is presided over by Governor of North Kalimantan, Zainal Arifin Paliwang, represented by Robby Yuridi Hatman, Governor's Expert Staff for Law, National Unity and Governance. It marks a significant milestone in the province's commitment to protecting fishers and enhancing the sustainability of its marine economy.
A strong inspection mechanism can be a key driver in our fishing industry and together we can transform North Kalimantan's fisheries where economic growth goes hand in hand with dignity, safety and opportunity for all fishers.
Zainal Arifin Paliwang, Governor of North Kalimantan
North Kalimantan's fishing industry, which includes both capture fisheries and aquaculture, is a vital economic driver for the region. With abundant marine and inland resources such as seagrass beds and river systems, the province is home to over 16,400 fishers and 11,117 fishing vessels - nearly 96 percent of which are small-scale boats under 5 GT operating within 12 nautical miles. The newly formed Joint Inspection Team is tasked with safeguarding the rights and welfare of these workers, particularly those onboard fishing vessels.
Established under Governor's Decree No. 100.3.3.1/295/2025, enacted on 2 May 2025, the interdisciplinary team operates under the direct supervision of the Governor and comprises officials from the Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office and the Provincial Manpower and Transmigration Office. The team will strengthen labour regulations, conducting joint inspections, improving coordination between fisheries and labour inspectors and developing technology-based education and information systems.
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Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang described the initiative as a concrete effort to ensure decent working conditions while advancing the province's fishing industry. "North Kalimantan's marine resources hold enormous potential for economic growth and community welfare. A strong inspection mechanism can be a key driver in our fishing industry and together we can transform North Kalimantan's fisheries where economic growth goes hand in hand with dignity, safety and opportunity for all fishers," he stated.
The launch also commemorates the 75th anniversary of Indonesia's membership in the ILO and builds on the country's ongoing efforts to reform labour inspection in the fishing industry. These efforts were formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Minister of Manpower on 30 September 2022, which aimed to improve inter-ministerial coordination and inspector capacity.
Through our Ship to Shore Rights Programme, and in close collaboration with the ILO and its tripartite partners, the EU is proud to support Indonesia's efforts to promote decent work for fishers and foster a more equitable and sustainable blue economy.
Denis Chaibi, the EU Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam
The joint labour inspection team initiative is part of the ILO's Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy Programme, a regional effort funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The programme promotes safe labour migration and decent work across Southeast Asia's fish and seafood supply chains.
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Diego Rei, ILO's Labour Market and Employment Specialist, emphasized that the ILO continues to build on its past experiences to reinforce and expand joint labour inspection initiatives across Indonesia's fishing sector, including through the Ship to Shore Rights Programme. "The establishment of this Joint Inspection Team reflects Indonesia's commitment to the ILO's Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81). We hope this initiative fosters deeper collaboration and accelerates progress toward decent work for all, especially in the fishing sector," she stated.
Denis Chaibi, the EU Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, expressed strong support for North Kalimantan's initiative. "The Governor's decree in North Kalimantan represents the second Joint Inspection Team established with ILO support, following the successful implementation of the first team in Central Java in 2023 under Regional Secretary Decree No. 523/012 of 2023," he noted. "Through our Ship to Shore Rights Programme, and in close collaboration with the ILO and its tripartite partners, the EU is proud to support Indonesia's efforts to promote decent work for fishers and foster a more equitable and sustainable blue economy."
Following the launch, the Joint Inspection Team will participate in a ILO's Participatory Action-Oriented Training (PAOT) on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), scheduled for 10 September at Tarakan Fishing Port, Tangkayu II. The training offers practical, low-cost solutions to improve safety, health, productivity and overall working conditions in fishing workplaces.
