Indonesian Fishermen Trapped in Debt Due to Low Wages and Exploitative Labor Conditions

Fishing crew members in Indonesia, particularly those working at the Muara Angke Fishing Port in North Jakarta, are facing harsh realities of low wages and a life of debt. "Rajasa," who requested anonymity, was busy distributing packed lunches to his fellow crew members after finishing the early morning unloading of squid. He explained that while fishing was not his dream job, he took it up to avoid unemployment. His basic monthly salary ranges from Rp900,000 to Rp1,000,000 (approximately $60-$67 USD). Furthermore, crew members receive a commission of Rp8,000 (approximately $0.54 USD) per kilogram of catch. This system makes their income entirely dependent on the amount of fish they can catch. In favorable weather, they might bring in 10-15 kilograms of squid, but during lean seasons, this can drop to just two kilograms. Reports indicate that when catch targets are not met, crew members sometimes face verbal abuse and even physical violence. Compounding the issue of low and unstable wages, many fishermen are burdened by debts incurred for basic necessities and food consumed onboard. These debts, often carrying high interest rates, become difficult to repay, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. Their working conditions highlight systemic issues within Indonesia's coastal fishing industry, including low pay, opaque remuneration systems, and a lack of worker protection.