The alarming treatment of seafarers, particularly in incidents involving the Long Xin 629, highlights the urgent need for a thorough inquiry into the labor policies of China and Indonesia. Reports from Indonesian crew members describe grueling work conditions: 18-hour workdays with minimal breaks, unequal provisions for drinking water—filtered seawater for Indonesian workers versus mineral water for Chinese counterparts—and grossly inadequate compensation, with some workers earning as little as $120 for 13 months of service. This is significantly below the monthly minimum wage of $625 established by the 2006 Marine Labour Convention (MLC), which China ratified in 2015, suggesting a severe breach of human rights.
The MLC guarantees seafarers a safe and secure workplace, fair employment terms, acceptable working conditions, and access to health and social protections. However, records indicate that the conditions aboard Long Xin 629 violated critical regulations concerning working hours, overtime compensation, and the provision of food and water. Furthermore, the failure of the vessel’s operators to report deaths onboard to the workers’ families, as mandated by the International Labour Organization’s Seafarer’s Service Regulations, underscores a complete disregard for human dignity, with families often learning about the tragedies only through media revelations.
Conversely, there are indications that China is making strides in promoting seafarers’ rights. The Chinese government organized a significant training course in 2017 focused on improving seafarers’ skills and knowledge. Additionally, the introduction of the Regulation of Seafarers in 2007 marks a legislative effort to address seafarers’ rights specifically.
Indonesia has recently been proactive in ensuring the rights of its migrant workers and seafarers. The ratification of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and a dedicated law passed in 2017 are key components of Indonesia’s commitment to protecting its seafarers. The 2015 Ministerial Regulation aimed at human rights in the fishing industry and a substantial funding investment to standardize seafarer training further consolidate Indonesia’s dedication to improving working conditions for its nationals.
Despite these efforts, diplomatic discussions between the Indonesian and Chinese Foreign Ministers in 2019 did not translate into actionable measures for seafarers’ protection, even though many Indonesian workers are employed on Chinese vessels. Reports reveal that vessels from China, Taiwan, and Fiji have been responsible for mistreatment complaints against Indonesian seafarers.
Given the Chinese jurisdiction over incidents occurring on its fishing vessels, it holds the responsibility to address the inhumane treatment reported on the Long Xin 629. The Indonesian government is exerting diplomatic pressure by summoning Chinese officials to seek accountability.
To effectively tackle these pressing issues, cooperation between China and Indonesia is essential. They should enhance joint efforts in law enforcement, intelligence sharing on seafarer mistreatment, and foster training programs for maritime officials and law enforcement to prevent future human rights violations. Collaborative action is vital to avoid further tragedies like those aboard Long Xin 629 and to ensure that seafarers’ rights are respected and protected.
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