The Faculty of Law, Diponegoro University (FH UNDIP) is strengthening international research collaboration with the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies (IHRP), Mahidol University, Thailand, through a Joint Research activity on August 4–8, 2026. This research focuses on developing a regulatory framework for Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) to reinforce the protection of human rights (HAM) in the fisheries industry in Indonesia and Thailand. The FH UNDIP delegation consists of Prof. Dr. Rahayu, S.H., M.Hum. as team leader, as well as Muhamad Nafi Uz Zaman, S.H., M.H. and Prof. Dr. Kholis Roisah, S.H., M.Hum. as members. The delegation was received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naparat Kranrattanasuit, senior lecturer and researcher at IHRP, Mahidol University. This activity is part of the development of comparative research on corporate responsibility in respecting human rights, particularly regarding worker protection and the implementation of responsible business practices in the fisheries sector.
Study on Strengthening Human Rights Due Diligence Regulation
The study titled “Designing Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence for the Fisheries Industry: Lessons from Indonesia and Thailand” examines the implementation of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) in the fisheries industry, especially in ensuring the respect for human rights in the workplace and throughout the supply chain. HRDD is a due diligence process carried out by companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for the impacts of business activities on human rights. The adoption of this mechanism has become one of the key aspects in promoting responsible business practices. In the study, the research team highlights the labour system in the fisheries sector, including challenges in protecting workers’ rights and preventing human trafficking. These issues are an important part of discussions on strengthening corporate responsibility towards workers along the fisheries industry supply chain.
Comparison of Indonesia and Thailand
Through a comparative approach, this study examines the legal context and challenges of implementing HRDD in Indonesia and Thailand. The comparison of the two countries is expected to enrich understanding of regulatory approaches that can be used to strengthen human rights protection in the fisheries sector. This study is also aimed at formulating recommendations for the development of a regulatory framework that requires companies to carry out HRDD effectively. Accordingly, companies are expected to enhance accountability in identifying and addressing potential as well as actual human rights violations related to business activities. This analysis positions worker protection, prevention of human trafficking, and corporate responsibility as key aspects in the development of fisheries industry governance that respects human rights.
Strengthening International Research Collaboration at FH UNDIP
The implementation of Joint Research with IHRP, Mahidol University, also serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the development of academic perspectives in the field of Business and Human Rights. This collaboration opens opportunities for strengthening academic networks, developing comparative research, and preparing joint scholarly publications. Cross-country cooperation is essential in the development of legal studies, especially for examining issues involving international supply chains and corporate responsibility in respect of human rights. The exchange of perspectives between Indonesia and Thailand is expected to broaden academic studies while also contributing to the development of relevant policies and regulations. Through this collaboration, FH UNDIP continues to promote the strengthening of international research and publication activities and expands academic contributions in the development of law that is responsive to global challenges. Joint research with Mahidol University is expected to support the enhancement of human rights protection and to encourage responsible and sustainable business practices, particularly in the fisheries industry.