JAKARTA, July 15, 2025 – The Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA) expresses its profound concern regarding a recent CNN report detailing alleged human rights abuses and forced labor practices against foreign workers in Taiwan’s fishing industry. This news once again highlights the acute vulnerabilities faced by thousands of workers, including those from Indonesia, who form the backbone of Taiwan’s distant water fishing sector.
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/12/asia/taiwan-fishing-labor-abuse-intl-hnk
“We are deeply troubled by this report,” stated Mr. Chairul Hadi, Secretary-General of INFISA. “This is a grave issue that necessitates immediate attention and decisive action from all stakeholders.”
Call for Expanded Coverage in FCF Co., Ltd.’s Responsible Recruitment Project
INFISA also addressed the report’s connection to FCF Co., Ltd., a prominent fishing company that collaborates with INFISA on its “Responsible Recruitment Project.” However, Mr. Chairul Hadi clarified that this program does not encompass FCF’s entire supply chain. “Our checks confirm that the vessel mentioned in the CNN report was not within the scope of our program. Consequently, the comprehensive monitoring and protection we had anticipated were not achieved on that particular vessel,” he explained.
Given the severity of this issue, INFISA urges FCF Co., Ltd. to incorporate all vessels within its supply chain into the “Responsible Recruitment Project,” which has been ongoing for four years.
“Despite operating for four years, this program remains limited to only a few vessels and a relatively small number of foreign workers. This is highly regrettable, considering the substantial profits accruing to vessel owners employing these workers,” Mr. Chairul Hadi emphasized. He further suggested that direct evaluation from foreign workers themselves, such as requests for contract extensions based on their own volition and reciprocal feedback from the crew, could serve as positive indicators if the program were comprehensively implemented.
“Indeed, we observe a reduction in the number of vessels and personnel included by FCF Co., Ltd. We are concerned that this limited coverage may merely serve to obscure a larger underlying issue,” Mr. Chairul Hadi continued. “Similar apprehensions arise regarding the recently executed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), fearing it might be a mere claim without reflecting the realities on the ground. This, undoubtedly, will negatively impact the future reputation and market access of Taiwan’s fishing industry.”
Critique of Taiwan’s Middle Agent System
A crucial point highlighted by INFISA is the Taiwanese government’s policy mandating that vessels flying the Taiwanese flag employ foreign workers through middle agents in Taiwan. According to INFISA, this policy inherently facilitates potential forced labor.
“INFISA believes that the Taiwanese government, in effect, supports a pathway to forced labor due to the additional costs imposed by this policy,” asserted Mr. Chairul Hadi. He argued that agencies primarily focused on profiting from foreign workers risk trading job vacancies, thereby rendering these individuals objects of commerce.
INFISA also pointed out the absence of regulatory limits on cooperation between Taiwanese agencies and foreign agencies in sending countries like Indonesia. “Numerous indicators suggest Taiwan could mitigate these issues, such as instances where foreign workers possess multiple employment contracts, which denotes irregularities,” Mr. Chairul Hadi added.
Appreciation and Challenges of the CBA, and Concerns Over Protection Regression
While acknowledging its significance, INFISA expresses appreciation for the progress marked by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed between the Taiwan Fishing Shipowners Association and the Serikat Pekerja Perikanan Indonesia (SPPI) several months ago.
However, Mr. Chairul Hadi also questioned the CBA’s effectiveness in accommodating all hundreds of thousands of foreign workers. “Can this CBA truly accommodate all hundreds of thousands of foreign workers? Certainly, there is a need for opportunities to foster collaboration with other entities to encompass all workers,” Mr. Chairul Hadi stated, stressing the necessity for more comprehensive solutions.
INFISA has also directly voiced these concerns at the Seafood Task Force forum, where FCF Co., Ltd. was present as a speaker. “The claims we presented at that forum aimed for broader dissemination and support from the Seafood Task Force, which possesses a wider scope. However, we have not received updates regarding its progress,” revealed Mr. Chairul Hadi, referencing the meeting held in May 2025.
“In this context, INFISA specifically highlights a regression in the process of protecting foreign fishing workers on Taiwan’s distant water vessels, which contradicts claims of progress on the ground. This is truly shameful,” concluded Mr. Chairul Hadi.
INFISA’s Role in Advocating for Taiwan’s Fishing Future
INFISA emphasizes the critical need to prevent such incidents from recurring in Taiwan’s fishing industry in the future. “We are committed to concrete actions that support the integrity of Taiwan’s seafood supply chain to the American market,” stated Mr. Chairul Hadi.
This concern is amplified by a significant federal lawsuit filed earlier this year. Four Indonesian fishermen sued US canning giant Bumble Bee Foods, which is owned by Taiwan’s seafood conglomerate FCF Co. The lawsuit alleges the tuna giant “knowingly profited” from forced labor, debt bondage, and other abuses within its supply chain. This is reportedly the first known fishing vessel slavery case brought against a US seafood company, according to Agnieszka Fryszman, one of the plaintiffs’ lawyers, who spoke to CNN.
INFISA urges the Taiwanese government to implement comprehensive reforms in the recruitment and protection systems for foreign workers within the fishing sector, and to ensure strict enforcement of laws against all human rights and labor violations.