Jakarta, Sept. 28 -- At least 669 Indonesian workers are engaged to operate 33 Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels in the Arafura Sea under a Technical Cooperation Guidelines (TCG) scheme between Indonesia and China.

In a statement cited on Sunday (Sept 27), Indonesia's Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the collaboration aims not only to boost fisheries production, but also to deliver added value to Indonesia by creating jobs and enhancing human resource capacity.

Erwin Agung Triono, Chief Officer of the KM SMMRF 88 vessel, said the programme allows crew members to sharpen their skills and gain hands-on fisheries experience.

He expressed hope the cooperation would continue, allowing current crew members...