SAKTI Goes To Campus : Advocating for Fair Treatment of Indonesian Fishermen

Jakarta,16082024] – The Indonesian Seafarers Trade Union  (SAKTI) has been conducting a series of roadshows across Indonesia to raise awareness about the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 188 on Work in Fishing. This campaign, dubbed "SAKTI Goes to Campus," aims to educate future fishermen about their rights and the importance of ratifying this crucial international convention.

Kicking off in Bitung, Sulawesi Utara, SAKTI visited SMKN 3 Bitung and the Bitung Maritime and Fisheries Polytechnic, engaging over 300 students. The union highlighted the significance of ILO 188, which guarantees fundamental rights for Indonesian fishermen but has yet to be ratified by the government. This ratification gap has led to inequalities in the protection of fishing vessel crews.

Following the successful launch in Bitung, SAKTI continued its roadshow to Pariaman, West Sumatra, reaching 250 students in three fisheries vocational schools. The journey then proceeded to Sibolga, where nearly 300 students from three schools were informed about the ILO 188. Each session included interactive discussions and Q&A sessions, providing students with opportunities to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of their rights.

The roadshow further extended to Painan and Padang, reaching almost 200 students in two vocational schools. Through these engagements, SAKTI has gathered valuable insights that will inform the development of improved curricula, education standards, and internship programs for future fishermen.

Next week, SAKTI will be expanding its campaign to Aceh, targeting four fisheries high schools. As the union reaches more schools, it is hoped that a growing number of students and teachers will become aware of the unratified ILO 188 and join the advocacy efforts.

SAKTI urges everyone who has learned about ILO 188 to voice their support and push the government to ratify the convention. By doing so, Indonesia can ensure fair and equitable protection for its fishermen.