p–ISSN: 2723 - 6609 e-ISSN: 2745-5254

Vol. 5, No. 6 June 2024 http://jist.publikasiindonesia.id/

Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2865

Strategy to Strengthen the Resilience of Migrant Boat Crews

in Taiwan

Nur Cholik Widyan Saputra

, Margaretha Hanita

, Stanislaus Riyanta

Universitas Indonesia Depok, Indonesia

Email: [email protected]

, [email protected]om

[email protected]

*Correspondence

ABSTRACT

Keywords: Crew,

Migrant Workers,

Resilience, Stress.

This study aims to understand the resilience strategies of

migrant crew on Taiwanese fishing vessels in the face of

stress and pressure at work. Using a qualitative approach,

this study involved in-depth interviews with seven resource

persons who were migrant fishermen in Taiwan. The

snowball sampling technique was used to select interviewees

who had previously worked on Taiwanese fishing vessels.

Data collection was conducted through interviews to gain

comprehensive insights into the experiences and resilience

strategies of migrant fishermen. The results showed that

migrant fishermen are exposed to various sources of stress

and pressure in the workplace, including hazardous working

conditions, distance from family and home, work pressure,

and poor accommodation conditions. However, the study

also revealed that migrant fishermen use a variety of

resilience strategies to overcome these challenges, including

social support from colleagues, independence in solving

problems, improved adaptation skills, and finding sources of

strength from personal beliefs and values. By deepening the

understanding of migrant fishermen's resilience strategies on

Taiwanese fishing vessels, the research is expected to

provide valuable insights for developing policies and

intervention programs to improve the welfare and safety of

migrant fishermen in risky work environments. In addition,

the findings of this study can also be a foundation for further

research in understanding the dynamics and determinants of

individual resilience in high-risk occupational sectors.

Introduction

International labor migration has become one of the increasingly popular strategies

to increase incomes for families in low- and middle-income countries, including

Indonesia (Reid, Kynn, Smith-Darden, & McCauley, 2023). More than 9 million

Indonesians work abroad, equivalent to nearly 7% of Indonesia's total labor force (Aburn,

Gott, & Hoare, 2016). In East Asia, only China and the Philippines have more

international migrant workers than Indonesia. The types of work carried out by

Nur Cholik Widyan Saputra, Margaretha Hanita, Stanislaus Riyanta

Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2866

international migrant workers from Indonesia also vary significantly from work on land

(land-based) to sea-based (sea-based), such as being domestic assistants, babysitters,

agricultural workers, construction workers, factory workers, elderly caregivers,

shop/restaurant/hotel workers, drivers, and also being seafarers on commercial ships and

fishing vessels (Indonesia, 2017).

Indonesia is the third largest country in the world, after China and the Philippines,

which supplies seafarers on foreign vessels, both fishing vessels and commercial vessels.

The Ministry of Transportation lists 1.2 million Indonesian seafarers (Ciaramella,

Monacelli, & Cocimano, 2022). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recorded more than

250,000 PMI Fishery Seafarers on foreign fishing vessels during 2013-2015, with the

highest placement being Taiwan-flagged vessels (217,655 people) and South Korea

(31,792 people).

Based on research conducted by the Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative, there is a

high interest in becoming fishery seafarers working on foreign ships due to the

unavailability of domestic jobs that absorb labor and the uncertain income from working

on local Indonesian ships. Meanwhile, working on foreign fishing vessels provides a more

stable income with a higher salary than working domestically (Zautra, Arewasikporn, &

Davis, 2010).

Taiwanese fishing boats have long been a popular destination for migrant crew

members from various countries, including Indonesia. As an integral part of the global

fishing industry, migrant fishermen on Taiwanese fishing vessels play an important role

in meeting the demand for marine catches in the international market (Doyle et al., 2016).

However, despite their significant contribution, migrant fishermen face various

workplace challenges and risks, which can affect their well-being and health (Wu et al.,

2013).

Working as a migrant fisherman on a Taiwanese fishing boat requires solid physical

skills and high mental and emotional endurance. These fishermen are often faced with

dangerous working conditions, far from access to adequate health services, and are

vulnerable to exploitation and human rights violations (Southwick, Bonanno, Masten,

Panter-Brick, & Yehuda, 2014). In this context, it is essential to understand the individual

resilience strategies that migrant fishermen can use to deal with the challenges they face

on a day-to-day basis on fishing boats.

The welfare and safety issues of migrant fishermen on Taiwanese fishing vessels

have become an increasing concern in recent years (Board, 2023). Hazardous working

conditions, social isolation, work pressure, and poor accommodation conditions are some

of the factors that often cause stress and stress for migrant fishermen. Differences in

culture, language, and work rules between migrant fishermen and boat management

complicate this challenge (Janssen, Jensen, Harth, & Oldenburg, 2024).

Although the government's role in protecting migrant fishermen on Taiwanese

fishing vessels has been widely discussed and researched, this research focuses on aspects

of government policies and regulations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to dig deeper

Strategy to Strengthen the Resilience of Migrant Boat Crews in Taiwan

Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2867

into the individual resilience strategies used by migrant fishermen to safeguard their

safety and well-being amid risky working conditions.

The research will focus attention on individual resilience strategies used by migrant

fishermen on Taiwanese fishing vessels. By emphasizing the importance of ABK's active

role in safeguarding their safety and well-being, this research will open up space for

discussion on how ABK can take proactive measures to protect themselves from risks and

hazards in the workplace. Thus, this research is expected to provide valuable insights for

developing training and education programs aimed at improving the resilience of

individual migrant fishermen on Taiwanese fishing vessels.

This study aimed to understand the resilience strategies of migrant fishermen on

Taiwanese fishing boats in the face of stress and pressure in the workplace. Utilizing a

qualitative approach, it aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of migrant

fishermen and the resilience strategies they use to overcome the challenges they face.

Method

Qualitative research methods will be used to collect data relevant to the study. This

approach allows researchers to understand the experiences and perspectives of migrant

fishermen on Taiwanese fishing vessels related to their resilience strategies. This research

will involve in-depth interviews with nine interviewees who are migrant fishermen on

Taiwanese fishing boats. The selection of resource persons is carried out using the

snowball sampling technique, which allows researchers to identify potential sources

through the social networks of sources involved in the research. The selected resource

persons are fishermen who have previous experience as migrant fishermen on Taiwanese

fishing boats, prioritizing those who are handling passports for the second, third, or

onward departure. The snowball sampling technique is carried out by asking for

recommendations from resource persons to participants involved in the research, thus

allowing the identification of additional sources with relevant experience and insight.

Data will be collected through individual interviews with each interviewee and

conducted with structured interview guidance to ensure data consistency and

completeness. Data collection will be carried out by considering the principles of research

ethics, including confidentiality and security of information submitted by resource

persons. Data analysis will be done descriptively by examining patterns of findings that

emerge from interviews. The data will be coded to identify key themes, patterns, and

relationships between various concepts emerging from the data. Descriptive analysis and

coding will enable researchers to explain and understand migrant fishermen's resilience

strategies in more detail.

Results and Discussion

Social Demographics of Resource Persons

This study interviewed seven interviewees who worked as fishermen on Taiwanese

fishing boats. All interviewees were men. The age of the interviewees varied from 24 –

Nur Cholik Widyan Saputra, Margaretha Hanita, Stanislaus Riyanta

Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2868

42 years. The average age of the interviewees was 32 years. My experience working as a

fisherman in Taiwan varies from 2 years to 11 years. The types of boats used by the

resource persons also varied, namely squid boats (1 person), layur boats (1 person),

badong boats (2 people), trawl boats (1 person), and fishing boats (2 people). Most

interviewees were married (6 people), and the rest (1 person) were unmarried.

Table 1

Demographic Data of Resource Persons

Initial Name

Age

Asal

I spent a long

time in Taiwan

Types of Fishing

Vessels

Gebang

11 Years

Trawl Boat

Cirebon

5 Years

Ship Badong

(Kepiting)

Pemalang

2 Years

Fishing Boat

Tegal

6 Years

Ship Badong

(Kepiting)

Cirebon

6 Years

Fishing Boat

Cilacap

2 Years

Kapal Layur

Indramayu

5 Years

Squid Ship

Work-Related Stress

Stress associated with working conditions poses a significant challenge for migrant

fishermen on Taiwanese fishing boats. In the early stages of their arrival, a lack of

understanding of the Taiwanese language was often a significant obstacle in

communicating with the ship's captain and other crew members. This difficulty can lead

to misunderstandings, often leading to conflict situations, where ship captains can scold

or criticize migrant crew. The language barrier not only affects the quality of work of

fishermen but can also affect their mental well-being.

In addition to language problems, migrant fishermen face difficulties adjusting to

the rhythm of work on board. Adapting to a new work environment and learning to

operate ship tools and engines is a serious challenge. At first, the crew may not be skilled

in carrying out their duties smoothly, so they are often scolded or criticized by the ship's

captain. This lack of ability can increase their stress and pressure levels at work. One of

the interviewees with the initials AG shared his experience. "It is sad that if the employer

is chatty, it is the saddest. I have been to Taiwan before; the first was in 2010. In 2010,

yes, it was difficult the first time I went to Taiwan; I did not understand the language, I

could not work, the employer was fussy, yes greens line if Javanese people said it was

genes line."

Also, migrant fishermen often feel pressured by ship captains and companies' high

expectations and standards. They feel burdened to always do a good job and meet their

superiors' expectations. Harsh criticism and high evaluation from ship captains can

increase the stress and anxiety levels of the migrant crew, resulting in more significant

pressure to carry out their duties.

Stress Related to Family

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Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2869

The stress caused by the distance separating migrant fishermen from their families

is one of the significant factors in their work experience on Taiwanese fishing boats. Long

distances from family can trigger a variety of emotional and psychological reactions that

impact the mental and physical well-being of migrant fishermen. The discussion about

the causes of stress can be seen from several aspects, including the longing, worry, and

sadness experienced by migrant fishermen.

Disaster-Related Stress

Extreme conditions at sea, such as bad weather, heavy rain, strong winds, and high

waves, can cause significant stress for the migrant crew. When faced with hostile weather

conditions like this, crews often experience high pressure and face situations that have

the potential to endanger their safety. This extreme weather affects not only their comfort

and physical well-being but also their mental and emotional well-being.

One of the leading causes of stress during bad weather conditions is the uncertainty

and sense of uncontrollability experienced by the crew. When bad weather hits, the

situation on the ship becomes unpredictable and difficult to foresee. Crew members may

feel they have no control over the situation and fear for their safety. This uncertainty can

increase their stress levels, resulting in ongoing anxiety and tension.

In addition to uncertainty, physical discomfort is a significant factor causing stress

for migrant fishermen during lousy weather. Heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves

can make boarding conditions difficult and uncomfortable. The crew may feel

uncomfortable or sick from strong boat vibrations and movements and exposure to

extreme weather conditions. This discomfort can interfere with their physical well-being

and increase overall anxiety and stress levels.

In addition, bad weather situations can also worsen working conditions and increase

the risk of accidents on ships. Strong winds and high waves can make work on a ship

more difficult and dangerous, with a significantly increased risk of slipping or falling.

This can increase ABK's stress and anxiety levels and affect their work performance.

Bad weather can also affect the quality of rest and sleep of migrant crew on board.

Strong vibrations and movements of ships, along with the sounds of wind and waves, can

disrupt their sleep and cause severe sleep disturbances. These sleep disorders can lead to

prolonged fatigue, which in turn can increase their stress and anxiety levels.

Stress Related to Departure Procedures

Based on interviews with interviewees, information was obtained that there are

two types of work on Taiwanese fishing vessels based on the validity of departure

procedures: official (legal) and unofficial (illegal) procedures. Migrant fishermen usually

refer to those who work through official procedures as Local Crew / Local Job / Local

Vessel, while those who work through unofficial procedures as LG Crew / LG Job / LG

Ships. ABK-Local, usually also called ABK-Official, are those who work in Taiwan by

following official procedures; their salaries are paid with NTD, have an ARC and Askes.

Local ABK placement is regulated in the P to P scheme (between PT in Indonesia and

Taiwan Agency). While LG crew are crew who work non-procedurally using a letter of

guarantee, sail in international waters on Taiwan-flagged ships, generally depart using a

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Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2870

visit visa, are not registered with the Ministry of Manpower, BP2M1, KDEI in Taipei or

the Taiwan government, low salaries, vulnerable to exploitation. There is no guarantee of

workers' rights. LG's crew placement procedures do not follow Indonesian regulations

regarding the placement and protection of migrant workers abroad. Their placement is

only from an employment contract and is usually only signed by crew and ship owners

without the endorsement of the Indonesian Representative.

Strategy to Strengthen the Resilience of Migrant Crew

Based on the results of interviews, it was found that migrant fishermen develop

resilience-building strategies to face challenges in the workplace. First, they emphasize

the importance of improving the ability of individual characters to be more resilient in the

face of pressure. This includes the development of mental and physical strength, increased

optimism, firm conviction, patience, and sincerity in work. Thus, migrant fishermen can

be better prepared to face difficult situations and remain steadfast in their duties.

Furthermore, migrant fishermen strengthen their resilience from the beginning of

the departure process by choosing official channels. They recognize that official channels

can provide protection for their rights as migrant workers, as well as minimize the risk of

engaging in illegal or unsafe practices. By choosing the official route, migrant fishermen

can be more confident and protected when working on Taiwanese fishing boats. The

resource person with the initials AD, a 24-year-old migrant crew in Taiwan for two years,

explained that official fishermen do not need to be afraid if they encounter problems

because many parties can protect them. “. If we are not illegal, we are an official crew, so

we are afraid that if we want to go to Taiwan, the important thing is to go to the official

legal Taiwan. If it is illegal, if it is okay, an accident, or if the employer plays hands, no

one will help. However, if we are official, then someone helps. Do not be afraid. The

important thing is right work."

Finally, resilience-strengthening strategies involve actively joining communities or

groups in Taiwan. By joining the community, migrant fishermen can provide mutual

support, share experiences, and get helpful information about working conditions and

their rights as migrant workers. This helps them feel more connected and supported when

living abroad. TS, 33 years old, a resource person from Pemalang who has been in Taiwan

for two years, explained the role of the community in helping migrant fishermen. "In

Taiwan, there are groups from their respective cities. If they are the organizers, if they are

the Tegal Groups, if there are work accidents or accidents, they must be taken care of,

and it is safe."

The same thing was also conveyed by GN, a 27-year-old resource person from

Cirebon who has been working in Taiwan for six years. "If there are bosses who play

hands, do not be afraid; in Taiwan, there are many shelters to protect PMI PMI who are

miserable or get bad treatment from their bosses. Do not be afraid; we are also the union

of any regional community to help, especially if we join an organization that is one district

or one region. We share and do not make unilateral decisions. So the employer plays

hands, and we keep hitting back; it cannot be so. If there is a boss who plays hands, avoid

it. If you can go back to the office, you go back to the office; you do not need to extend

Strategy to Strengthen the Resilience of Migrant Boat Crews in Taiwan

Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2871

it. All we have to do is investigate if video evidence shows the boss playing hands. We

can prosecute the boss; we can get a fine."

Conclusion

This research has revealed the importance of resilience-strengthening strategies for

migrant fishermen on Taiwanese vessels in the face of various stressors. It found that

there are four main stressors faced by migrant fishermen: work-related stress, separation

from family, disasters at sea, and departure procedures. These conditions can result in

significant mental and emotional distress for migrant fishermen. However, the study also

identified several resilience-strengthening strategies migrant fishermen use to cope with

such stress.

First, research shows that improving individual character abilities is a critical factor

in increasing the resilience of migrant fishermen. By developing mentally and physically

strong character, as well as an attitude of optimism, confidence, patience, and sincerity in

work, migrant fishermen can deal with pressure and stress more effectively.

Second, improving the Taiwanese language and sailing skills strengthens resilience.

By strengthening communication and work skills on board, migrant crew members can

increase their independence and productivity, thereby reducing the level of stress they

experience.

Third, the selection of official channels as a resilience-building strategy has also

proven effective in protecting the rights of migrant fishermen. By choosing the official

route, migrant fishermen can avoid various risks and threats associated with unofficial

channels, increasing their sense of security and confidence in carrying out work on board.

Finally, joining a community or community in Taiwan is also an effective

resilience-strengthening strategy for migrant fishermen. Through interaction and support

from fellow migrant fishermen, they can share experiences, gain helpful information, and

provide emotional and social support to each other, thereby reducing the isolation and

psychological distress they feel.

Overall, the study shows that resilience-building strategies are important in helping

migrant fishermen deal with various stressors on Taiwanese vessels. By strengthening

individual character, improving skills and abilities, choosing official channels, and

joining communities, migrant fishermen can improve their quality of life and well-being

at work and reduce the level of stress and distress they experience.

Nur Cholik Widyan Saputra, Margaretha Hanita, Stanislaus Riyanta

Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Teknologi, Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2024 2872

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