The aim of this study is to overview the vulnerability of traditional fishers from exploitation and human trafficking. It is also intended to give recommendations that should be addressed for empowering traditional fishers to improve their well-being. This study is a qualitative study that implement a series of Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews. FGDs and KIIs protocols were used in collecting data. The study was conducted in traditional fishing communities in Bitung, North Sulawesi and Tegal, Central Java.  FGDs was conducted with group of fishers, wife of fishers, NGOs working for fishers, and paralegals. KIIs was carried out with boat owner, port chief, and local office of maritime and fisheries. The results revealed that limited capital and lack of education, cause traditional fishers vulnerable to pressure from capital owners and injustice in profit sharing that affecting fishers' welfare. The unfair profit-sharing system and non-transparent fish trading and auction system give an effect to fishers’ poverty and fall into debt bondage. Some recommendations include oversee the implementation of government policies related to the protection of fishing vessel crews, provides gender empowerment program, and development of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to educate fishers and their families.