Jakarta, 03 June 2025 – The Responsible Recruitment initiative, spearheaded by organizations like the Indonesian Fisherman Association (INFISA), is increasingly demonstrating significant positive impacts for both vessel owners and traders in the fisheries sector. This collaboration not only improves worker welfare but also unlocks new market opportunities and strengthens the industry’s overall reputation.
INFISA, for instance, actively promotes squid catches from vessels committed to ethical and fair treatment of their workers. This assurance, covering the entire process from catch to plate, is a major draw for international buyers, particularly from Japan.
Vessel Owners Reap Direct Benefits with INFISA’s Help
For vessel owners, implementing Responsible Recruitment isn’t just about compliance; it’s a smart investment. “We’re seeing increased access to premium markets,” says a vessel owner in Muara Angke. “Buyers from Japan highly value the guarantee that our squid is sourced ethically. This means better prices and more stable demand.”
Crucially, INFISA’s role is pivotal here. The association assists vessel owners in fulfilling social responsibility audits, both onboard vessels and at seafood processing plants. This support ensures that the entire supply chain meets stringent ethical and social standards. Consequently, the positive reputation built through fair recruitment practices becomes an invaluable asset. Transparent and responsible vessel owners tend to avoid legal issues and sanctions that often plague the global fishing industry related to modern slavery or worker exploitation.
Equally important, ethical treatment directly impacts crew productivity and morale. Crew members who feel valued and treated fairly tend to be more loyal and productive, reducing costly turnover rates. This fosters a more stable and efficient work environment.
Traders Gain Confidence with Ethically Sourced Products
For traders, the Responsible Recruitment collaboration provides assurance of a clean and sustainable product supply. “As traders, we need certainty that the products we sell are free from ethical issues,” explains a squid trader serving export markets. “When INFISA can guarantee ethical treatment on vessels and at processing plants, it gives us great confidence to sell our products to increasingly selective importers.”
The growing trust of global consumers in responsibly sourced fishery products is also a significant advantage. Traders can now differentiate their products in a competitive market, targeting a segment of consumers concerned with sustainability and ethics. This helps them meet the strict requirements of major importers and retail chains that increasingly demand product traceability.
By mitigating potential reputational and legal risks associated with unethical practices, traders can protect their company’s image and ensure long-term business sustainability.
Initiatives like INFISA’s demonstrate that ethics and business profits can go hand-in-hand. By synergizing to advance sustainable fisheries, they create a stronger, fairer, and more responsible fishing supply chain from sea to table.