Indonesia-China Arafura Sea Fishing Cooperation Engages 669 Workers

Jakarta: At least 669 Indonesian workers are engaged to operate 33 Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels in the Arafura Sea under a Technical Cooperation Guidelines (TCG) scheme between Indonesia and China.

In a statement cited on Sunday, September 27, Indonesia's Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the collaboration aims not only to boost fisheries production, but also to deliver added value to Indonesia by creating jobs and enhancing human resource capacity.

Erwin Agung Triono, Chief Officer of the KM SMMRF 88 vessel, said the programme allows crew members to sharpen their skills and gain hands-on fisheries experience.

"We hope the cooperation would continue, allowing current crew members' experience to support the development of the next generation of maritime professionals," said Triono, as quoted from Antara, Monday September 28, 2026.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries ensured the crew members receive a base salary, catch-based bonuses, and comprehensive protection, including health, life, and employment insurance.

The ministry noted the 33 Indonesian-flagged vessels assigned to the programme are projected to catch around 9,500 metric tons of fish within the established quota.

The collaboration is estimated to generate around Rp65 billion (around USD3.6 million) in non-tax state revenue.

The TCG follows Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's official visit to China on November 9, 2024, which produced a joint statement between the two countries.

In the marine affairs and fisheries sector, the agreement was implemented through the signing of the TCG by the Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The cooperation encompasses fish catching, onshore fisheries facility development ,including fishing ports, fish processing, skill exchanges, training, and relevant fisheries data sharing, as well as collaboration to ensure the welfare of fisheries workers.