Protection for Indonesian Migrant Fishers on Taiwanese Fishing Vessels

The exploitation and trafficking of Indonesian migrant fishers on Taiwanese fishing vessels remain a persistent challenge in the global fisheries industry. Although Indonesia and Taiwan have implemented various protection measures, these efforts have not yielded effective results. This study analyses why the protection of Indonesian migrant fishers on Taiwanese vessels remains inadequate. Using a deductive qualitative approach and the theory of diplomatic protection as the analytical framework, three key variables are examined: an international wrong, link of nationality, and exhaustion of local remedies. The findings reveal that Indonesia has not effectively exercised diplomatic protection due to fragmented domestic regulations and the lack of structured cooperation with Taiwan. Strengthening national legal frameworks and fostering South-South partnerships are essential to enhance legal protection and advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the fisheries sector.