The international fishing industry continues to grow, and with it, the need for professional Indonesian crew members (ABK) is growing. Amidst the challenges of globalization, regulation, and competition, a joint forum is needed to strengthen the crew agency business ecosystem, making it more robust, legal, and competitive.
As part of its commitment to building the national maritime industry, PT RNT Utama Indonesia attended an event titled “Silaturahmi and Constructive Dialogue to Strengthen the Ship Crew Agency Business Ecosystem.” The event, organized by the Indonesian Fisheries Workers Association and the Tripartite Communication Forum, took place at the PrimeBiz Hotel in Tegal on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Event Background
This event was initiated as a forum for open dialogue between various stakeholders: crew agency companies, workers’ associations, and the government. Its objectives are:
- Strengthening synergy between ship crew agency business actors.
- Establish regulations and healthy practices in the recruitment of ABK.
- Protecting workers so that their rights are protected according to national and international standards.
- Encouraging the quality of maritime human resources through appropriate training and certification.
The crewing agency industry is not just a business, but also a social responsibility. Through authorized agencies like PT RNT Utama Indonesia, thousands of young Indonesians can secure legal employment opportunities on international vessels while simultaneously bringing economic benefits to their families and the region.
The presence of the President Director of PT RNT Utama Indonesia
On this occasion, the President Director of PT RNT Utama Indonesia, Mr. Riza Ghiyats Fakhri, was present in person to express his full support. His presence demonstrates that PT RNT Utama Indonesia is not only focused on business activities but also on developing a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable maritime ecosystem.
Mr. Riza stated that this gathering was important for strengthening relations between agency companies, strengthening communication with the government, and emphasizing the role of workers’ associations in protecting ABK.
“We believe that the crew agency business can only thrive if all parties work together: the government as regulator, companies as job providers, and workers’ associations as guardians of workers’ rights. Forums like this are a concrete step towards a healthy maritime industry,” said Riza Ghiyats Fakhri.
Issues and Dialogue Discussed
Some important issues that emerged in this forum include :
- Protection of ABK Workers
- How to ensure that ABK gets an official work contract.
- The importance of insurance, health insurance, and salary certainty.
- Improving the Quality of Human Resources
- The role of training and certification (BST, AFF, SCRB) in preparing ABK.
- The importance of psychological testing, language, and multicultural adaptation training.
- Strengthening the Agency Business Ecosystem
- Collaboration between companies so that they do not bring each other down.
- Commitment to upholding legality and avoiding brokering practices.
- Tripartite Role
- The government, companies and workers sit together to discuss solutions.
- Creating regulations that support protection and business growth.
Benefits of PT RNT Utama Indonesia’s Presence in the Forum
The presence of PT RNT Utama Indonesia in this forum brought several positive impacts:
- For companies: expanding networks and strengthening reputation as an official agent that complies with regulations.
- For Indonesian crew members: protection, training, and legal work opportunities abroad are increasingly guaranteed.
- For the maritime ecosystem: a shared commitment is formed between agents to support each other, not to compete unfairly.
PT RNT Utama Indonesia emphasized that the company’s main focus is to dispatch ABK legally, professionally, and ready to compete in the global market.
Testimonials & Hopes for the Future
In closing the dialogue, Mr. Riza expressed his hope that forums like this could become a regular agenda.
“PT RNT Utama Indonesia is ready to fully support any initiative aimed at strengthening the agency business ecosystem. We hope this gathering will result in real collaboration that will benefit not only the company but especially the crew members and their families,” he added.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Indonesian Fisheries Workers Association applauded the presence of companies like PT RNT Utama Indonesia. They believe the presence of professional, authorized agents is key to curbing illegal practices and improving the image of Indonesian crew members internationally.
Conclusion
The “Gathering and Constructive Dialogue to Strengthen the Ship Crew Agency Ecosystem” event at the PrimeBiz Hotel in Tegal marked a significant milestone for the national maritime industry. With the participation of companies like PT RNT Utama Indonesia, led by President Director Riza Ghiyats Fakhri, the forum demonstrated a clear commitment to creating a strong, legal, and worker-friendly agency ecosystem.
Going forward, PT RNT Utama Indonesia will continue to collaborate with various parties to produce quality, protected, and globally competitive crew members.
