President Prabowo Signs Presidential Regulation Ratifying ILO Convention 188, Ensuring Fisherman’s Welfare as National Priority

President Prabowo attends the commemoration of International Workers’ Day at the National Monument Compound (Lapangan Silang Monas) on Friday (05/01).

President Prabowo Subianto presented several “gifts” to the workforce on International Workers’ Day. One major highlight was the signing of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 25 of 2026, ratifying International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 188. Through this regulation, the Head of State emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring the protection and welfare of fishermen.

“There is another gift for [our] workers. I have just signed Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 25 of 2026 on the Ratification of International Labor Organization Convention Number 188, to ensure the protection and welfare of fishing vessel crews,” President Prabowo stated during his remarks at the International Workers’ Day commemoration held at the National Monument Compound (Lapangan Silang Monas) on Friday (05/01).

Furthermore, President Prabowo announced that the Government will inaugurate 1,386 fishing villages across Indonesia this year. This program is planned to continue in the coming years.

“This year, we will inaugurate 1,386 fishing villages. For the first time in the history of the Republic of Indonesia, the fishermen are given special attention. Next year, we will open 1,500 fishing villages, and next year, we will continue to s open another 1,500 fishing villages, and another 1,500 fishing villages in the year after,” the President stated.

According to the President, the inauguration of this fishing village is expected to improve the welfare of fishermen in the country. This is also part of the Government’s efforts to ensure the prosperity of all levels of society.

“In the future, we will improve the lives of approximately 6 million fishermen, including their wives and children, we would ensure the lives of more than 20 million of Indonesians to be better. Their lives will be [more] prosperous,” said the President.

“They’ve had a hard time going to sea without ice. Now we’re building ice factories in every fishing village. We’ll also help by providing them the fishing vessels,” President Prabowo continued.

As part of the efforts to protect workers and demonstrate the Government’s partiality, the Head of State also underscored his directive to expedite the completion of Manpower Bill (RUU), targeting its passage this year.

“I have also instructed the Minister of Manpower and the Minister of Law to immediately finalize the Manpower Bill (RUU) with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). If possible, it must be completed this year. And the law must be pro-workers,” underscored the President.

“We hope that our laws will always guarantee the justice for all Indonesian people,” President Prabowo concluded.

With a combination of strategic policies ranging from ratification of international conventions, community-based development, and regulatory reform, the Government conveyed a clear message that the welfare of workers, including fishermen, remained top priority. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/AW)