The Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA) hosted visit from delegations of Thai Union, a leading global seafood producer, and Kha Yang Marine Sdn Bhd, a fishing company. This visit primarily focused on enhancing social responsibility within the global tuna supply chain, particularly concerning the employment of Indonesian fishers.

As an organization representing Indonesian fishers, INFISA outlined its role in the Responsible Recruitment Project. This program is designed to address both minor and major findings and to refine the recruitment and placement processes for Indonesian fishers. Within this framework, INFISA will provide reciprocal assessments from Indonesian fishers to assist vessel owners in their social responsibility audits.

Furthermore, INFISA plays a crucial role as a solution provider for resolving internal Grievance Mechanisms experienced by Indonesian fishers. Through INFISA’s involvement, workers are provided with a structured channel to articulate their complaints and concerns, thereby ensuring that their voices are heard and effectively addressed.

For many years, Kha Yang Marine Sdn Bhd has employed Indonesian fishers on its fleet. However, prior to this initiative, Kha Yang Marine Sdn Bhd’s fisher recruitment was conducted through agents in Indonesia and Taiwan. INFISA uncovered several issues in these initial recruitment practices, including salary deductions and debt bondage, which strongly suggested practices akin to forced labor. These challenges arose because initial recruitment was not initiated through a responsible recruitment program, which might have mitigated problems unknown to the vessel owners.

Nevertheless, INFISA believes that Kha Yang Marine Sdn Bhd has treated its Indonesian workers commendably, given the fishers’ years of dedication to the company. However, the lack of transparency in the recruitment and placement processes led to numerous issues and concerns regarding forced labor. INFISA emphasized that these issues can be rectified in the future through their structured programs, which facilitate audited worker feedback and provide assessments for continuous improvement.

INFISA extends its profound appreciation for the commitment demonstrated by both Thai Union and Kha Yang Marine Sdn Bhd in addressing labor issues within the tuna supply chain. This dedication not only ensures fair treatment for fishers but also guarantees responsible sourcing to global tuna consumers.

This visit by the Thai Union and Kha Yang Marine Sdn Bhd delegations to INFISA represents a significant stride forward in a collaborative effort to ensure ethical and responsible labor practices within the global fishing industry, aligning with market demands for social responsibility in the tuna supply chain.