The Vital Role of Extension Workers in Sustainable Fisheries Development

The Indonesian government has embraced the concept of the blue economy and aspires to position Indonesia as a global maritime hub. Both endeavors inherently demand a strong foundation in the maritime and fisheries sectors. As these sectors grow in importance, a comprehensive and capable strategy for sustainable fisheries development is essential to solidify Indonesia’s maritime domain as a resilient pillar of progress.

In the pursuit of sustainable fisheries development, the availability and competence of extension workers play a crucial role in realizing the success of priority programs outlined by the government, particularly the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Extension workers serve as guides and conduits, conveying information about the fishing world from the central government to local regions. Given the pivotal role of fisheries extension personnel, it’s disheartening that field realities reveal an inadequate number of them to meet the demand.

Shortage of Fisheries Extension Personnel across Various Regions

A notable case of this shortage is evident in Empat Lawang Regency, South Sumatra Province. Andi Ramlan S.Pi., the Coordinator of Fisheries Extension for Empat Lawang Regency, disclosed that his working area has only seven individuals comprising the fisheries extension team within the Regency’s Fisheries Department. However, there are ten sub-districts in Empat Lawang, and in the Pendopo Sub-District, ideally, two to three extension workers should be provided due to the more substantial fishing activities compared to other sub-districts.

“Ideally, there should be one fisheries extension worker per sub-district. We have ten sub-districts. However, it also depends on the fishing area. For instance, in the Pendopo Sub-District, ideally, there should be two or three fisheries extension workers,” Andi Ramlan stated. Considering their critical responsibilities in coordinating fisheries activities at the Fishery Extension Administrative Unit (satminkal) and the Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Office, South Sumatra, it becomes even more pressing. Additionally, fisheries extension workers are tasked with verification, signing off on fishery extension reports and attendance, and executing other duties delegated by the Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Research and Development Agency (BRSDM KP).

Impact of Fisheries Extension Personnel Shortage on Sustainable Fisheries Development

The issue of human resource shortage within the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries must be addressed promptly, especially considering the government’s recent reforms in the maritime and fisheries education system, merging all units into the Ocean Institute of Indonesia (OII). If the number of fisheries extension personnel falls short of the ideal amount, the implementation of sustainable fisheries development could be delayed due to ineffective dissemination of information from the central level to local regions, inevitably hindering the progress of the fisheries industry.

Local Heroes and Aruna Hub: Aruna’s Recognition of the Importance of Fisheries Extension Personnel

Aruna, a fisheries-focused company dedicated to improving the lives of fishermen through sustainable fishing practices, is well aware of the significance of mentors and extension workers in overseeing fishing activities. Through the active role of the marine and fisheries ecosystem of Aruna Hub and the Local Heroes in each region, Aruna has successfully transferred knowledge, information, and technology to coastal communities. Not only fishermen but also non-fishing communities along the coast have experienced positive impacts.

Aruna has educated coastal residents, particularly women, on producing derivative products from leftover catches or aquaculture activities. These products are then aided in marketing to reach potential consumers such as restaurants, hotels, and seafood suppliers across various regions and even internationally. Hence, the reality of numerous coastal areas in Indonesia lacking fisheries extension personnel is concerning. It is hoped that the government collaborates with academia and the private sector to swiftly address this human resource shortage issue.