Zabidi

Charting a New Course for Indonesian Migrant Fishermen: A Leadership Vision

In the maritime annals of Indonesia, the leadership of Mr Zabidi of the Chairman of the Indonesian Fisherman Association, is etched with a golden pen, embodying a vision that embraces both the challenges and opportunities for the nation’s sea warriors, particularly its migrant fishermen. Under his helm, the association has not only become a vessel for aspirations but also a crucible forging Indonesian maritime personnel to compete and thrive on the global stage.

The central vision espoused is “To Make Indonesian Fishermen Competitive in the Global Fishing Industry.” This statement is not merely a slogan but a profound commitment to uplift the dignity and status of Indonesian fishermen, including those who choose the path of migrant work. The primary focus of this vision is to ensure that every Indonesian fisherman working in international waters is not just a laborer, but a maritime professional recognized for their skills, protected in their rights, and prosperous in their lives, along with their families back home.

This leadership views migrant fishermen as ambassadors of the nation on the high seas. Therefore, the vision for their empowerment encompasses several strategic pillars:

• Enhancement of Competence and Professionalism: Prioritizing comprehensive education and training programs, covering foreign language proficiency, modern fishing technical skills, understanding of international work ethics, and knowledge of global maritime safety standards and regulations. The goal is to produce migrant fishermen who are not only technically skilled but also highly competitive and adaptable in multinational work environments.
• Protection and Welfare: Championing the realization of a transparent, fair, and accountable governance system for the placement of migrant fishermen. This includes ensuring clear work contracts, social security, access to legal aid, and mechanisms for protection against exploitative practices and inhumane treatment. The welfare of families left behind in the homeland is also a concern, by striving for easy remittance access and economic empowerment programs for them.
• Strengthening Roles in the Global Supply Chain: Encouraging Indonesian migrant fishermen to be seen not just as a labor source, but as an integral part of a sustainable and responsible global fishing industry supply chain. This means ensuring they are well-informed about Good Fishing Practices and participate in preserving marine resources.
• Diplomacy and International Cooperation: Proactively building and strengthening cooperation networks with various parties at the international level, including governments of destination countries, global fishermen’s associations, and relevant international organizations. This step aims to continuously update protection standards, open up better job opportunities, and resolve various problems faced by Indonesian migrant fishermen abroad.

With this vision, the Chairman of the Indonesian Fisherman Association is determined to shift the paradigm—from fishermen forced to migrate due to limitations, to professional fishermen migrating by choice, with expertise, and dignity, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange and Indonesia’s positive image in the international maritime world. This is a call to ensure that the wave of globalization becomes a current that brings progress and prosperity to every Indonesian fisherman, wherever they dedicate themselves on the vast oceans.