minimal investments in the ship’s amenities: the bathroom facilities were
basic, water was scarce, and the crew could not bathe daily. Muhamad
noted that the fishers frequently had to relieve themselves over the deck
because only a single toilet was available. When questioned about the
dangers of this situation, he stated, “You’ve got no choice if someone is
using the only toilet.”
Much like Reyne, Muhamad has served on vessels of different
nationalities. He began his career as a distant water fisher in Donggang,
Pingtung, in 2008, and in 2014, he transitioned to domestic employment in
Nanfang’ao, Yilan. From 2017 to 2020, he then worked on coastal fishing
vessels in South Korea. In total, Muhamad has spent 12 years making a
living at sea. Muhamad already had previous experience working as a
fisher before arriving in Taiwan; a stark contrast to many foreign fishers
who often lack experience, “Taiwanese captains assume we’re trained and
skilled at everything.”
Muhamad indicated that when Indonesian agencies recruit fishers,
they only ask basic questions, such as whether the applicants can use
fishing nets or tie knots. Despite the Indonesian government requiring predeparture training, enforcement is lax, and agencies frequently send
untrained recruits abroad.
Migrant fishers in Taiwan encounter significant communication
barriers with local brokers. For example, when Muhamad sustained an
injury in Yilan, his broker initially suggested that he return to Indonesia
instead of providing medical assistance. Muhamad later discovered that he
was not enrolled in labor insurance; only after he brought this matter to his
employer’s attention did the broker take any action. He perceives that
brokers tend to prioritize the interests of employers over those of the
workers. Only through engagement with local NGOs did Muhamad begin
to understand his rights as a migrant laborer.
Muhamad voices his dissatisfaction while reflecting on his experiences
in Taiwan: “Our broker says we can’t be late to work—not even ten
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