VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held a press conference following a bilateral meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong at the Pancasila Building in Jakarta on Friday (June 25, 2021). (ANTARA/HO-Kemlu RI) - 

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has appealed to the South Korean government to protect Indonesian migrant workers employed in the country as ship crew members.

The two countries had made progress in extending protection to workers in May, 2021 when they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the fields of work relations and manpower.

The MoU is expected to pave the way for the protection of Indonesian sailors working on South Korea-registered fishing vessels with gross tonnage of above 20 tons.

"I encourage immediate negotiations on the administration and protection of Indonesians employed as ship crew members on South Korean longline ships," Marsudi said while delivering an online press statement along with South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong in Jakarta on Friday.

According to data provided by the Indonesian government, an estimated 33 thousand Indonesian migrant workers are employed in South Korea, including 5,950 Indonesian sailors working on South Korean-flagged ships.

During Friday’s meeting, Marsudi also appealed to Chung Eui-yong to consider Indonesia’s request for the re-entry and fresh placement of Indonesian migrant workers in the country.

Responding to the request, Chung Eui-yong assured that his country would protect Indonesian sailors and ensure safe working conditions for them.

"The two countries will continue to work closely to enable Indonesian sailors to work in secure conditions and return to Indonesia safely," he said.

During their meeting, the two ministers also discussed several spheres of cooperation, including health, economy, politics, and defense.

They also signed a plan of action to implement a special strategic partnership for the 2021-2025 period and an MoU on triangular cooperation.

The plan of action is expected to boost concrete programs in several sectors and the MoU on triangular cooperation is expected to serve as the basis for the two countries' joint contribution to development programs in other developing countries//ANT