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PPPA Minister Bintang Puspayoga delivers remarks at a virtual discussion on harassment and violence of women seafarers here on Saturday (3/20/2021). (ANTARA/Prisca Triferna)

Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Minister Bintang Puspayoga highlighted the vital role of women in the maritime and fisheries sector.

"Women are a very valuable human resource that can bring progress to all parties in all situations," Puspayoga remarked while opening a virtual discussion on harassment and violence faced by women seafarers here on Saturday.

The minister affirmed that as the largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia’s various sectors, including the maritime and fisheries sectors, held vast potential. 

That potential cannot be separated from the role of women, who have played an important role in various professions in the maritime and fisheries sector, with scores employed as fisherwomen, fish traders, and sailors, as well as in various other professions in the maritime sector.According to the Transportation Ministry’s data as of March 2021, a total of 25,160 women seafarers work in various positions and levels of education, or 2.1 percent of the total 1,204,123 seafarers in Indonesia.

"With this data, it is our collective duty to fulfill the rights of women seafarers and protect them," she emphasized.

The minister drew attention to the fact that Indonesia already had in place laws and had ratified various international agreements that ensure the protection of women from acts of violence and discrimination based on gender, including in the maritime and fisheries sector.

Hence, Puspayoga expressed regret over the fact that women still fall in the vulnerable group and are still stigmatized, including women, who serve as seafarers.

"History has proven that Indonesia's women are capable, agile, and reliable seafarers," Minister Puspayoga remarked//ANT