Education

The international maritime industry is increasingly open to Indonesian workers. Thousands of seafarers (ABK) from across the country depart each year to work on foreign-flagged vessels in pursuit of livelihoods and a better future for their families. However, behind this opportunity lies significant challenges: illegal recruitment practices, unpaid wages, and the lack of legal protection for workers who go abroad through unofficial channels.

In this context, the presence of official manning agencies such as PT RNT Utama Indonesia is crucial. With a strong commitment, PT RNT Utama Indonesia ensures that every deployed seafarer is not only physically and mentally prepared but also protected legally, administratively, and under international law.

Legality is the cornerstone of safe and professional maritime employment. Seafarers who are deployed through illegal channels are highly vulnerable to risks, including:

• Labor exploitation, with excessive working hours and no protection.
• Unpaid wages or unilateral deductions by illegal brokers.
• Absence of legal protection, due to the lack of a valid contract.
• Administrative difficulties, for example, in the event of a workplace accident abroad.

Such cases often tarnish Indonesia’s reputation internationally and cause suffering for many families. For this reason, PT RNT Utama Indonesia emphasizes that the legal pathway is the only safe way for seafarers to work on foreign vessels.

As an officially licensed agency under Indonesian regulations, PT RNT Utama Indonesia acts as a bridge between Indonesian youth seeking maritime careers abroad and international fishing fleets in need of quality crew members.

The company’s main focus is not merely on placement, but also on the long-term protection and well-being of every seafarer. This commitment is reflected through a strict selection process, complete legal documentation, and ongoing support throughout their contracts.

To guarantee the safety and legality of each seafarer’s departure, PT RNT Utama Indonesia implements a series of protective measures:

1. Document and Contract Verification

Every seafarer is deployed with a legally binding contract, recognized both by the Indonesian government and the destination country. The contract clearly outlines the rights and obligations of the worker and the employing company.

2. Training and Certification

Prior to deployment, seafarers must undergo mandatory maritime training such as:

• Basic Safety Training (BST)
• Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
• Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB)

These courses ensure the crew understands international safety standards and is prepared for emergencies at sea.

3. Insurance and Health Coverage

All seafarers deployed by PT RNT Utama Indonesia are provided with work insurance and health coverage, ensuring that they remain protected in the event of illness or workplace accidents.

4. Pre-Departure Briefing

Before departure, seafarers receive comprehensive orientation covering workers’ rights, legal procedures, cultural adaptation, and workplace ethics on multinational vessels. This also includes mental health tips for coping with long-term separation from family.

PT RNT Utama Indonesia works closely with multiple institutions to strengthen worker protection, including:

• The Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) – for licensing and regulatory compliance.
• BP2MI (Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency) – to ensure deployment meets national legal standards.
• Fisheries worker associations – to monitor working conditions and crew welfare.

This tripartite collaboration (government, company, and workers’ associations) reflects PT RNT Utama Indonesia commitment to building a fair, transparent, and sustainable maritime ecosystem.

Mr. Riza Ghiyats Fakhri, President Director of PT RNT Utama Indonesia, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to legality and worker protection:

“We are not merely sending workers abroad. We make sure that every seafarer who departs under PT RNT Utama Indonesia is fully protected, both legally and in terms of welfare. Legality is the key foundation. Without official channels, the risks are simply too great. Therefore, we urge all prospective seafarers to always choose the legal pathway with PT RNT Utama Indonesia,” he stated.

By departing through PT RNT Utama Indonesia, seafarers gain not only safety but also long-term advantages:

• Guaranteed wages, paid according to contract.
• International-standard working conditions.
• Career advancement opportunities, thanks to an official and verifiable employment record.
• Legal certainty, in case of disputes on foreign vessels.

Many alumni of PT RNT Utama Indonesia have successfully advanced from entry-level crew to officer positions, and even to captains, supported by their clear legal record and professional reputation.

PT RNT Utama Indonesia also focuses on educating the public, particularly youth from coastal communities, about the dangers of illegal recruitment. The company actively conducts awareness programs on:

• The importance of official documentation.
• The dangers of illegal channels.
• Workers’ rights that must be fulfilled by employing companies.

Through these initiatives, more prospective seafarers are becoming aware that choosing the legal pathway is not just an option—it is a necessity for their safety and future.

The commitment of PT RNT Utama Indonesia to ensuring the safety and legality of Indonesian seafarers on foreign vessels is proof of the company’s seriousness in building a healthy maritime ecosystem. With rigorous selection, certified training, legal contracts, and close cooperation with the government and associations, PT RNT guarantees that every seafarer it deploys is not only a worker but also a representative of Indonesia’s reputation abroad.

By maintaining this commitment, PT RNT Utama Indonesia continues to serve as a safe, legal, and professional bridge for Indonesian youth to pursue global maritime careers and secure a brighter future.

PT RNT Utama Indonesia – Delivering Legal, Professional, and Protected Seafarers to the World.

 

Becoming a crew member (ABK) isn’t just about physical strength or technical skills, but also mental and psychological readiness. The world of work at sea is full of challenges: being away from family, working in extreme weather conditions, and living side by side with a multinational crew. Therefore, psychological testing is a crucial requirement before prospective crew members can participate in official training.

This article discusses the reasons why psychological testing is mandatory, the types of tests commonly administered, real-life examples of prospective crew members from PT RNT Utama Indonesia, and PT RNT Utama Indonesia’s role in ensuring that departing crew members are mentally prepared.

Why Are Psychological Tests Important for Crew Members?

Working on a ship requires a stable mental state. Some of the main reasons psychological tests are mandatory include :

1.  Assessing Mental Health

ABK must be free from serious psychological disorders that could endanger work safety at sea.

2. Measuring Mental Resilience

The pressures of working on a ship are different from those on land. Crew members must endure stress, loneliness, and long work schedules.

3. Determining Character Compatibility

The test helps to see whether the prospective ABK is suitable to work in a team, obey instructions, and is able to maintain discipline.

4. Prevent Future Problems

With screening from the start, companies and shipping partners will have more confidence because the crew sent have been mentally tested.

Real Examples of Psychological Test Participants at RNT

In recent recruitments, prospective crew members from PT RNT Utama Indonesia underwent psychological tests under the supervision of an official institution. Participants appeared enthusiastic, although some admitted to being nervous as it was their first time taking such a formal test.

• Some came from Tegal, Brebes, and even Sulawesi, showing that opportunities are open to young people from various regions.
• The test is conducted in a classroom with a duration of approximately 2–3 hours, including a written exam, interview, and concentration simulation.
• Some participants even shared that they felt this test was very useful for getting to know themselves before actually diving into the sea.

“At first, I thought this test was just a formality. But after taking it, I realized the importance of mental preparation for working on a ship. I became more confident about continuing the training,” said one participant in the psychological test for prospective crew members at PT RNT Utama Indonesia.

With actual documentation of the test participants, the public can see that the crew selection process at PT RNT Utama Indonesia is truly transparent and professional.

Types of Psychological Tests Commonly Undertaken by Prospective ABK

Psychological tests for children with special needs usually cover the following aspects :

1. Basic Intelligence Test (IQ Test)

To measure the ability to think logically, understand instructions, and solve problems in work situations.

2. Personality Test

Assesses an individual’s character: whether they tend to be disciplined, cooperative, and able to control their emotions.

3. Stress Tolerance Test

A simulation or question that measures how a person reacts under stressful conditions, such as bad weather or conflict between crew members.

4. Accuracy & Concentration Test

Cruisers often face detailed, routine work. This test assesses the consistency of focus of prospective crew members over long periods of time.

5. Psychological Interview

A psychologist or examiner will conduct an interview to explore their life history, motivation, and readiness to work at sea.

The Relationship Between Psychological Tests and Special Needs Education and Training

After prospective ABK are declared to have passed the psychological test, they can proceed to official training programs such as:

• Basic Safety Training (BST)

• Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB)

• Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)

Psychological tests are the first step to ensure that training participants are truly ready, not only physically but also mentally.

The Role of PT RNT Utama Indonesia

As a trusted ABK placement company, PT RNT Utama Indonesia not only focuses on workforce placement, but also ensures that every crew member dispatched has gone through a valid psychological examination process.

Some steps taken by RNT :

• Collaborate with professional psychology institutions.
• Ensuring test results is one of the mandatory requirements before departure.
• Provide additional counseling if the ABK candidate has certain records.

This step will increase international shipping partners’ confidence, knowing that Indonesian crew members are truly physically and mentally prepared for the job.

The psychological test before training is a crucial stage for prospective crew members. This test ensures that only healthy, stable, and mentally strong workers can proceed to the training and departure stages.

Through actual documentation of test participants at PT RNT Utama Indonesia, the public can see the company’s commitment to preparing crew members who are not only skilled but also mentally prepared to face the rigors of the ocean.

If you are interested in becoming a crew member or are an organization looking to deploy members to international maritime routes, contact PT RNT Utama Indonesia. Together, we ensure that every Indonesian sailor who sails is a professional, healthy crew, and ready to face the challenges of the world’s oceans.

Nomor : P.01/HJ-UU.PERS/RUI/VII/2025 Tegal, 7 Juli 2025

Characteristics: Important

Attachments: 1 (one) bundle

Subject: Right of Reply to News with Title “Police Investigate Case of Sukabumi Man with Miserable Fate in Cambodia”

To

1. Editor-in-Chief of Detikcom d/a PT Trans Digital Media

2. Editor-in-Chief of West Java Detik

• Center Address : Gedung Transmedia – Lantai 8-9 JIn. Kapten Tendean kav. 12-14A, Jakarta Selatan, 12790 –
• Telp: (021)79187722 (Hunting)
• Fax. (021)79187727
• Email: redaksi@detik.com
• West Java Address : Jalan Ahmad Yani No. 279D (Ruko Supratman) Kel. Cicaheum, Kec. Kiaracondong, Bandung 40282

In place

 

Sincerely,

In connection with the news report by you entitled [Police Investigate Case of Sukabumi Man with Tragic Fate in Cambodia] published on Detikcom via DetikJabar on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at approximately 18:00 WIB, by Journalist and/or Editor Siti Fatimah with the news link: https://www.detik.com/jabar/hukum-dan-kriminal/d-7992215/polisi- selidiki-kasus-pria-sukabumi-bernasib-pilu-di-kamboja/amp, We hereby submit a Right of Reply to several points that we consider inaccurate and/or detrimental.

The news, especially in the section [Initially Worked as ABK. Head of the Sukabumi City Manpower and Transmigration Service (Disnakertrans) Abdul Rachman explained that Bagas initially worked as a crew member (ABK) with four of his friends through PT RNT Utama Indonesia based in Tegal. They were contracted for one year starting April 1, 2025. However, after only three months of work, Bagas did not receive a salary. When his ship docked at a Chinese port, there was a conflict between his friends and the other ship’s crew, until finally Bagas and his four friends were dropped off at the port. “Without any provisions and facing language barriers, they then accepted work in Cambodia as scammers. Their conditions there were very concerning,” he said.], considered not to be in accordance with the actual facts, where the actual facts are [The alleged case of human trafficking currently being experienced by Mr. Muhammad Bagas Saputra (22), a young man from Sukabumi City in Cambodia, has absolutely nothing to do with PT RNT Utama Indonesia]. We feel that the news has caused [The credibility of PT RNT Utama Indonesia is being questioned by the public, especially the ship crews who will, are and have worked abroad through our company. This news can even have an impact on the loss of trust of our company’s partners and/or business partners both domestically and abroad. In addition, this news also has the potential for other losses that will be experienced by the company, such as loss of time, energy and thoughts to face all questions and/or interviews and/or invitations from related parties who are interested in the matters in question].

Therefore, we intend to provide the following clarification :

1. That the alleged case of human trafficking which is currently being experienced by Mr. Muhammad Bagas Saputra (22) years old “MBS”, a young man from Sukabumi City in Cambodia, has absolutely nothing to do with PT RNT Utama Indonesia.

2. That it is true that Mr. MBS was once a Ship Crew member abroad and departed via PT RNT Utama Indonesia with an employment relationship status based on a Sea Work Agreement (PKL) with a work period (contract) of 1 (one) year starting from April 2024.

3. That Mr. MBS et al., (a total of 4 people, including MBS) their employment relationship has ended before the 1 (one) year work contract deadline was completed, due to problems on board the ship so that MBS et al., decided to return home before the contract period expired (broken contract) on June 26, 2024 and arrived in Indonesia on June 27, 2024 (proof of return plane tickets to Indonesia for Mr. MBS et al., is attached).

4. That all actions or activities carried out by ABK after the end of the employment relationship are completely outside the company’s responsibility.

5. That it is not true that Mr. MBS et al. worked as ABK through PT. RNT Utama Indonesia since April 1, 2025, because Mr. MBS et al. after returning on June 27, 2024 never went to the company PT. RNT Utama Indonesia to register again as ABK;

6. That it is not true that Mr. MBS et al. did not receive a salary for 3 (three) months working on the ship, because after returning to Indonesia on June 27, 2024, Mr. MBS et al. did not work anymore as ABK through the company PT. RNT Utama Indonesia;

7. That after the return of MBS et al. on June 27, 2024 to Indonesia, only 1 (one) ABK from the four groups returned to the company and registered again as ABK, namely Othniel Julio Manuputty (OJM), and currently OJM has finished his contract and is at his house in the Ambon area and there are no problems whatsoever regarding ABK salaries, etc.; (video attached)

8. That the salary rights of Mr. MBS et al. during their work as ABK through PT. RNT Utama Indonesia from April 2024 to July 27, 2024, PT RNT Utama Indonesia has been responsible and completed, including the responsibility to repatriate Mr. MBS from abroad to Indonesia.

9. That after the news of Brother MBS’s case went viral, the Representative of PT RNT Utama Indonesia conducted a clarification by visiting Brother MBS’s family’s residence in Sukabumi City, West Java on July 6, 2025, which was facilitated by the Management of the Indonesian Fisheries Workers Association (AP21) and the Management of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) Sukabumi to meet with the family, represented by MBS’s older brother, namely Brother Muhammad Rangga Saputra “MBS” with the following meeting results:

• a. That the MBS family stated that around June 27, 2024, MBS returned home accompanied by OJM who at that time went to MBS’s house, so that after MBS arrived in Indonesia, there was no working relationship between MBS et al and the company PT. RNT Utama Indonesia;
• b. That after MBS’s return on June 27, 2024, MBS said goodbye again to work abroad and the family gave permission to MBS, but the departure was not through PT. RNT Utama Indonesia, from the information that MBS’s family left for Cambodia via another route that was not clearly known by the family;
• c. That of the 4 (four) ABK who returned with MBS, only OJM returned to the company PT. RNT Utama Indonesia and registered again as an ABK at the company and currently OJM has finished his contract and is at his home in the Ambon area.
• d. The MBS family regrets the media that published a photo of MBS wearing a uniform or attributes of PT. RNT Utama Indonesia without permission or confirmation from the family or company, thus creating a strange impression in the community;
• e. The family of MBS understands that MBS’s departure abroad or to Cambodia after his return from abroad on June 27, 2024 did not go through PT. RNT Utama Indonesia so that MBS’s presence in Cambodia has nothing to do with PT. RNT Utama Indonesia, the family and PT. RNT Utama Indonesia have established good communication and agreed to resolve this problem peacefully within the family without taking legal action, and not sue each other;

We hope that you can include this right of reply in your media as widely as possible, to provide balanced information to the public. We also attach supporting evidence for consideration.

We thank you for your attention and cooperation, sir/madam/sir.

 

Best regards,

An. President director

PT RNT Utama Indonesia

Legal Corporate.

 

Ahmad Faisal Amin S.H.I., M.H.

Tel. 0821-3596-5976

 

Copy :

1. Chairman of the Press Council (sekretariat@dewanpers.or.id);

2. Brother Muhammad Rangga Saputra (MBS’s older brother);

3. Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Service of Sukabumi City;

4. Chairman of SBMI Sukabumi;

5. Chairman of AP2I (admin@ap2i.or.id);

 

Appendix List :

1. Link to download video recording of PT RNT Utama Indonesia representatives meeting with MBS’s family: https://bit.ly/RNTDatangiKeluargaMBSdiSukabumi;

2. Link to download the video call recording with Mr. OJM regarding MBS’s return on June 27, 2024: https:/bit.ly/RekamanVideoCaldenganSdrOthnielJulioManuputy;

3. Print out/pdf full news link: https://www.detik.com/jabar/hukum-dan-kriminal/d- 7992215/polisi-selidiki-kasus-pria-sukabumi-bernasib-pilu-di-kamboja/amp;

4. Print out/pdf of MBS’s return flight ticket to Indonesia;

5. Download the full Right of Reply to the News with the Title “Police Investigate the Case of Sukabumi Man Who Suffered a Miserable Fate in Cambodia” click here

6. Documentation of PT RNT Utama Indonesia’s Visit to the MBS Family Home

 

 

 

The global fisheries industry continues to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for seafood and exploration of new waters. In this dynamic, one prominent fact is the increasing demand for Indonesian workers, especially fishermen and crew members. Many international fisheries companies are active in the Indonesian fishermen recruitment process because they are aware of the quality and excellence of Indonesian workers.

What makes Indonesian fishermen so sought after? This article reviews the main reasons and introduces PT. RNT Utama Indonesia, a trusted Crew Members distribution company ready to partner with the world’s fishing fleet.

1. Natural Maritime Environment that Shapes Skills

As an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia has coastal communities that are very closely connected to the sea. From a young age, many children in this region learn to sail directly from their families. They not only have good technical skills, but also strong sea instincts.

This is what makes the Indonesian fishermen recruitment process very promising. The labor base is widely available and natural, spread from Sumatra to Papua.

2. Complete Field Experience and Skills

Indonesian fishermen master various fishing techniques such as long line, trawl, handline, and purse seine. Many of them already have high flying hours on local vessels, making adaptation on foreign vessels faster and smoother.

International companies appreciate the speed of adaptation and understanding of Indonesian crews to the work system at sea. They are accustomed to shift rotation, extreme conditions, and long-term work pressure.

3. Strong Work Ethic and Mental Resilience

Working as Crew Members requires physical and mental strength. Indonesian fishermen are known to have extraordinary resilience to pressure, bad weather, and hard work without complaint. They are also known to be loyal, collective, and able to maintain harmony in a multinational team.

This makes them the primary choice for hiring reliable Indonesian seafarers on various types of vessels.

4. Cost Efficient, Maximum Quality

One of the strategic advantages in recruiting Indonesian crew is cost efficiency. Their salaries are relatively lower compared to developed countries, but the quality of work provided is very good.

With training and certification such as BST and ANT, Indonesian workers are ready to be deployed to international vessels without the need for significant additional training. This provides economic and operational benefits.

5. Government Training and Standards Support

The Indonesian government actively supports improving the quality of maritime human resources through certified training. Many training centers are present in coastal areas to improve the technical and foreign language skills of prospective Crew Members.

Companies such as PT. RNT Utama Indonesia also play a role in channeling trained and work-ready workers. With a strict selection system and structured verification process, PT. RNT Utama Indonesia ensures that only the best Crew Members are sent to foreign ships.

6. Cultural Adaptation and Multinational Capabilities

Working on foreign ships requires the ability to interact with various cultures. Indonesian crew members are known to be friendly, sociable, and quick to adapt to multicultural work environments. Many international ship captains and managers refer to Indonesian crew as “team harmony keepers” because of their non-conflicting and mutually supportive work attitudes.

7. ABK Indonesia Global Reputation

Indonesian seafarers have built a global reputation as disciplined, agile and reliable crews. Positive testimonials from various global fishing companies reinforce this image.

PT. RNT Utama Indonesia as an Indonesian Crew Members placement agent, maintains and strengthens this reputation through a transparent recruitment process, pre-placement training, and post-placement monitoring. This is what makes PT. RNT Utama Indonesia trusted by various international fleets.

8. Long Term Career Opportunities

Working as a crew member is not just a temporary job. Many Indonesian fishermen start from the bottom and then rise to become bosuns, officers, and captains. A career in the international fishing industry is wide open for those who are highly motivated.

PT. RNT Utama Indonesia also accompanies Indonesian Crew Members in their career journey, both in the form of advanced training and administrative support. The long-term goal of PT. RNT Utama Indonesia is to create a superior and globally competitive Indonesian maritime workforce.

Indonesian fishermen and crew have many advantages: natural skills, field experience, work ethic, efficient costs, and high adaptability. All of these make them the main choice for global fishing companies.

PT. RNT Utama Indonesia is here as a bridge that connects the needs of foreign companies with the great potential of Indonesian workers. With a professional, transparent approach, and a focus on HR quality, PT. RNT Utama Indonesia is ready to be your strategic partner in meeting the needs of international Indonesian Crew Members.

If you are looking for a long-term solution in recruiting competent, reliable and efficient marine workforce, PT. RNT Utama Indonesia is the answer.

Contact PT. RNT Utama Indonesia today for more information about cooperation in recruiting quality Crew Members from Indonesia. Together we create a strong fleet with the best workforce from Indonesia.