Squids: Popular with Black Ink and Good at Hunting

Talking about squid, people already know that these animals have black ink as a self-defense means. They secrete dark black ink when they feel threatened by predators. The black ink could confuse the predators and allow the squid to escape safely, as expected from a unique characteristic of cephalopod animals.
Aside from their famous black ink defense mechanism and being a slow and silent marine animal, do you know that squid are skilled in hunting?
Squids are active predators in the sea. It could use various methods to catch their prey. Let’s dive into the impressive qualities of squid that support their hunting abilities!

Good at camouflage

Squids have remarkable camouflage abilities, in which they can quickly change their skin color to blend in with their surroundings (thanks to chromatophore cells that can change their skin pigment in a few seconds). Some types can even make their bodies appear transparent.
This ability then allows squids to sneak up on the prey in silence. When the prey is off guard, the squid will attack quickly. Please note that the squid needs to be surrounded by colorful objects, such as around coral reefs or on the seabed.

Fast Swimmer

Squids are also known for their exceptional swimming abilities, as they are the fastest marine invertebrates in the world. The Humboldt squid can reach up to 40 km/hour! Thanks to their streamlined body shape, efficient fins, and the use of jet siphons for extra thrust. The jet siphon, located at the back of the squid’s body, is utilized when they need to move quickly, allowing them to chase the prey effectively.

Deadly-Agile Tentacles

Squids have ten strong and sharp tentacles. Aside from moving tools, these tentacles also serve as formidable weapons for capturing prey. They also could entangle, pull, and even cut their prey.
Squids then use their beaks to tear the food into smaller, more manageable pieces. The combination of agile tentacles and a robust beak made squids capable of catching various prey, ranging from small fish and shrimp to larger marine animals.

Magic Contact Lenses

The squid’s eyes contain a hard layer similar to a contact lens and act like a telescope or camera lens, helping the squid to capture precisely. Besides, these special lenses enable the squid to see more clearly in low-light conditions, such as at night or in the deep sea.
Do you now understand the remarkable hunting abilities of squids? With the ability to camouflage, move quickly, and a supportive physical form, squids deserve to be called one of the reliable marine predators. They play a significant role in the sea ecosystem as they contribute to preserving natural balance. Studying the uniqueness of squids opens new knowledge for us to understand the underwater world.

Why Sea Turtle Conservation in Indonesia Should Be a Priority

As the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia needs to maintain its valuable marine resources. Therefore, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is committed to restoring aquatic ecosystems through marine area conservation efforts, not to mention protecting sea turtle habitats in Indonesia.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, through the Directorate General of Marine and Marine Spatial Management (Ditjen PKRL), has designated 5.5 million hectares of sea turtle habitat as a conservation area. This step is part of Indonesia’s commitment to safeguard sea turtles and their crucial role in maintaining the marine ecosystem’s balance.

Why should We Prioritize Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts?

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) states that over the past 30 years, an estimated 1.1 million sea turtles worldwide have been illegally exploited and traded. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a notable for illegally smuggling on sea turtle meat, eggs, and carapaces.
Indonesia is home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species. The Indonesian seas serve as a migration route, feeding ground, and breeding site for the following species:

• Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
• Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
• Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
• Flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus)
• Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)

As a result, the Indonesian government places significant emphasis on the sea turtles protection due to their status as a threatened aquatic species. Firdaus Agung, the Director of Conservation and Marine Biodiversity, emphasizes that conservation efforts for sea turtles are a top priority.

Government Commitment to Sea Turtle Conservation

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has established 44 primary sea turtle conservation areas in 20 priority locations across 15 provinces. This significant step in sea turtle conservation is part of the 2020-2024 National Action Plan (RAN) for sea Turtle Conservation, which provides guidelines for managing sea turtles in Indonesia.
In addition, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is working with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), local governments, universities, community organizations, and groups to develop sea turtle conservation plans. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the effectiveness of sea turtle conservation in Indonesia.

Achievements in Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts

In 2023, the sea turtle conservation actions carried out by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and stakeholders have yielded positive results, including:

• Decreased sea turtle hunting in Paloh, Sambas, West Kalimantan, and Buru Island, Maluku, through collaboration with community groups to monitor and supervise nesting beaches.
• Reduced indirect use of leatherback sea turtles in the Kei Islands, Southeast Maluku, with increasing public awareness of the importance of preserving sea turtles.
• Support from WWF for establishing the Marine Protected Area in North Buru, Maluku, aiming for broader protection of the habitat of sea turtles and other marine biota.

The sea turtle conservation movements in Indonesian seas should be a continuous commitment. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is devoted to expanding marine conservation areas and increasing the effectiveness of sea turtle conservation programs. Stakeholders’ collaboration is fundamental in realizing the conservation of Indonesian sea turtles and seas.
As a fishing company committed to sustainability, Aruna also supports sea turtle conservation efforts in Indonesia. We invite the entire community to work together to preserve marine biota and its ecosystem.

Let’s protect the sea turtles, protect the sea, and protect the future!

With the Maritime Foundation, Aruna Awakened the Learning Spirit of Coastal Children

Aruna was collaborating with the Maritime Foundation on a program to donate books and school supplies to children in coastal areas. Through this program, we successfully reached over 500 coastal children at Aruna’s operational points across the country.

The donation program was implemented regularly as part of Aruna’s commitment to enhancing the literacy of coastal children and preparing them to contribute to a sustainable future for the fishing industry. The goal was to create opportunities for coastal children to have a brighter future.

Improving Literacy of Coastal Children

Access to education and books remains a challenge for coastal children in Indonesia. In Papua, for example, only 36.1% of grade 3 elementary school students have adequate literacy skills. This indicates that there are still many coastal children who need assistance to improve their literacy skills.

Aruna recognized the importance of literacy for coastal children. Therefore, we were dedicated to implementing programs aiming to improve children’s interest in reading. By donating books on general knowledge, religion, and fiction, Aruna hoped to cultivate a fondness for reading among children, so they were encouraged to continue learning and exploring new things.

Currently, Aruna and the Maritime Foundation implemented a donation program of such in Aceh, Lampung, Central Java, East Java, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, North Maluku, and Papua. Aruna planned to continue this program at other Aruna operational points.

Preparing for the Sustainable Future of the Fishing Industry

Our goal was basically to prepare coastal children for a sustainable future in the fishing industry. By providing them with good literacy, we aimed to cultivate capable successors who could advance the fishing industry. With proper education, coastal children could become fishers and professional fisheries business actors with a deep understanding of marine and fisheries concepts, as well as adequate skills. This effort was expected to improve the coastal economy.

Aruna’s Commitment to the Education of Coastal Children

Utari Octavianty, the Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, emphasized the importance of developing good literacy skills to understand the concept of sustainability and its practical aspects. Aruna purposed to support coastal children in enhancing their enthusiasm for learning.

It is crucial to prepare coastal children for future leadership roles in the fishing industry, as they will play a significant role in managing Indonesia’s seas. Octavianty affirmed, “If not coastal children, who will pragmatically manage our seas in the future?”

The Extensive Supply Network Empowers Aruna in the Fisheries Industry

Aruna has established its position as one of the largest integrated fisheries companies in Indonesia. Throughout its eight-year journey, Aruna has contributed greatly to the welfare of fishers and coastal communities throughout Indonesia.

Aruna’s dedication and consistency in building and developing Indonesia’s fisheries and marine sector has received recognition from various parties, including the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. This is proof of Aruna’s commitment to advancing the national fisheries industry.

Aruna Supply Network Meeting Seafood Demand

The global seafood market is predicted to experience rapid growth of 8.92%, opening up great opportunities for the industry and fisheries business actors to increase market share. With high optimism, Aruna is ready to seize this opportunity by expanding the variety of seafood products offered to meet the growing global demand.

Supported by more than 55,000 fishermen and 150 supply points spread throughout Indonesia, Aruna has the power to reach global and domestic markets. With our extensive supply network, we can provide various types of premium seafood, such as tuna, crab, lobster, and other seafood products.

In addition to focusing on the domestic market, we are actively expanding our reach to global markets, including Japan and the Middle East. Our goal is to meet the demand for seafood in various countries by offering high-quality products and services.

Farid Naufal Aslam, the Co-Founder and CEO of Aruna, explained that the company believed it could create greater opportunities in the global market for local seafood products. He stated, “This is evidenced by the strength of our services, as we have reached 90% of provinces in Indonesia.” Aruna expects that people worldwide can enjoy the freshness and best quality of seafood from Indonesia.

Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Success

In today’s modern era, technology is crucial for supporting the success of many industries, including fisheries. Aruna is committed to innovating by using digital technology and data management to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our business operations.

An example of our commitment to technology is the SEA for All Commitment 2030, which involves implementing seafood traceability to ensure transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

To achieve this, we have developed technology to monitor the location of fishing areas and have implemented seasonal calendars to identify trends in seafood harvest time. With this system, Aruna can ensure the sustainability of marine resources and improve the welfare of assisted fishers, whose numbers continue to increase from year to year.

The Power of Community Development

Farid emphasized that Aruna’s technological development must start with the establishment of strong, reliable, and impactful coastal communities. The goal is to prepare these communities to embrace all the innovations implemented by Aruna. A compassionate and approachable approach is the main standard that determines the level of trust of fishers and their families in Aruna.

Being eight years old, Aruna continues to demonstrate her dedication to advancing the Indonesian fisheries industry through various breakthroughs and innovations. Market expansion, technology utilization, supply network expansion, and sustainable high-quality product development are fundamental to achieving Aruna’s vision of becoming a leader in the global seafood market.

Mackerel: Local Fish with High Omega-3 (More than Salmon)

Have you heard that salmon is rich in omega-3?

Omega-3 is a type of essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce. Salmon is very popular with high omega-3 content, enough to help in reaching daily omega-3 needs. Therefore, we need to get it from our diet.

However, did you know that there are local fish that not only contain omega-3 but also have even higher levels than salmon? One such fish is mackerel, also known as the king of omega-3!

Are you curious about the advantages and benefits of eating mackerel? Let us explain them to you.

1. Getting to Know Mackerel Fish

Mackerel (Rastrelliger spp.) is a type of marine fish that is commonly found in the seas of Indonesia. It belongs to the Scombridae family and is a group of small pelagic fish that many people enjoy. Mackerel fish have a slender, elongated body with a greenish-blue back and a silvery white belly.

There are two popular species of mackerel in Indonesia, known as Rastrelliger kanagurta and Rastrelliger brachysoma, commonly referred to as male bloating and female bloating. In West Sumatra, mackerel is known as gembolo fish, while in Makassar, it is known as banyar fish, and later on, it’s known as Banjar mackerel.

Mackerel also plays a role in the marine food chain by serving as a source of protein for many predators, including seabirds and large fish.

2. The Advantages of Mackerel

Let’s explore the nutritional content of mackerel!

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), 100 grams of mackerel contains 2.6 grams of omega-3. In comparison, 100 grams of salmon only contains 1.4 grams of omega-3. This data shows that mackerel has a higher omega-3 content than salmon.

Mackerel also has a higher protein and lower cholesterol content, with approximately 21.4 grams of protein and 33 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams. In contrast, salmon contains 19.9 grams of protein and 52 mg of cholesterol in 100 grams.

Additionally, mackerel has tender meat and is easily prepared into various delicious dishes. Its price is also relatively affordable compared to other types of fish. Mackerel is often processed into pindang fish, salted fish, shredded fish, and crackers to extend its shelf life.

3. Benefits of Mackerel for Health

Consuming mackerel regularly is very beneficial for body health, for example, it:

• Maintains heart health by helping to reduce the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and triglycerides, and increasing the good cholesterol levels (HDL).
• Improves brain function. The omega-3 helps improve memory, concentration, and learning ability.
• Relieves inflammation and maintains immunity with the antioxidants in mackerel.

It’s amazing to discover the many advantages of mackerel! This proves that local fish is just as nutritious for consumption. With its high omega-3 content and various health benefits, mackerel is the best source of animal protein!

To get high-quality mackerel, you can place an order at Seafood by Aruna. We offer mackerel and a variety of other seafood that are ready to be processed and are safe for consumption.

Five Films to Get to Know the Sea Better

Not only entertaining, films can also be a source of knowledge about marine life and the challenges it faces. From animated films to controversial documentaries, here are five films you can watch to get to know the sea better.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo is a funny and entertaining animated film about the adventure of a little fish named Nemo. In this film, you will be taken into the beauty of marine life and learn about friendship and courage in the face of danger.

The film also provides insights into coral reef damage and the importance of maintaining the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. If you want to introduce children to the beauty of the sea and instill environmental awareness early on, Finding Nemo is the right choice.

Chasing Coral (2017)

Chasing Coral is a documentary film that shows the impact of climate change on coral reefs worldwide. The film was produced by Netflix and directed by Jeff Orlowski.

In this film, you will see how biologists and underwater photographers work together to capture images of coral reefs and witness firsthand how climate change threatens the survival of coral reefs.

The film provides deep insights into climate change and how it affects marine life and humans. Chasing Coral also provides an overview of efforts to promote sustainable fishing and maintain the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

The End of the Line (2009)

The End of the Line is a 2009 documentary directed by Rupert Murray and based on Charles Clover’s book of the same title. The film highlights the issue of fish extinction worldwide due to overfishing and irresponsible fishing practices. Clover and his team traveled around the world to illustrate the impact of overfishing on specific fish species and marine life as a whole.

The film depicts how important it is for us to pay attention to how human activities impact the sea and take action to prevent further damage. The film also highlights efforts being made by experts, fishermen, and governments to improve the situation, such as implementing fishing quotas and developing more environmentally friendly fishing technologies.

The End of the Line provides a deeper understanding of the impact of irresponsible fishing practices and teaches us about the importance of maintaining the sustainability of the marine ecosystem and taking real action to stop further damage. The film has won several awards, including Best Film at the Sedona Environmental Film Festival in 2010.

Sharkwater (2006)

Sharkwater is a documentary film created by photographer and environmentalist Rob Stewart. The film reveals truths unknown to many about sharks and how important sharks are to marine life.

Stewart traveled worldwide to document unsustainable shark hunting activities and practices that harm the marine environment. The film provides an overview of efforts to protect sharks and maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem.

Sharkwater also provides insights into the beauty and uniqueness of marine life, including how sharks play a crucial role in maintaining marine life sustainability. If you want to learn more about sharks and efforts to protect them, Sharkwater is the right choice.

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

My Octopus Teacher tells the story of a diver and his bond with an octopus off the coast of South Africa.

In this film, you will learn about the intelligence and uniqueness of octopuses, as well as the relationship between humans and marine animals. The film provides an insight into how marine life can inspire and amaze humans.

My Octopus Teacher also provides a perspective on how the sustainability of the marine ecosystem can be built through knowledge and appreciation of the uniqueness of marine life.

By watching these films, you can deepen your knowledge of the sea and understand how to maintain the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. So, let’s watch these films and become more aware of how important it is to protect the sea for our future and the next generations!

Fish Floss Processing by Coastal Women in Selayar as Fisheries Downstreaming

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) targets a 4-6% increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the fisheries sector by 2023. To achieve this target, MMAF continues to promote the utilization of marine resources, including through downstreaming. Fisheries downstreaming is the process of converting raw fish products into processed products with higher added value.

One successful example of fisheries downstreaming is the production of fish floss in the Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi. The fish floss is produced by the Kembang Dahlia Group, coastal women from Mekarindah Village in the Selayar Islands.

Fish Floss Production by Kembang Dahlia Group

Eleven coastal women are part of the Kembang Dahlia Group. Initially, fish floss was only produced on a small scale. Over time, their business continued to grow and became more successful. Their products are not only marketed around Selayar but also in various regions of Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Kendari, Makassar, and Kalimantan. The fish floss is sold for Rp15,000 per 100-gram pack.

Each week, the Kembang Dahlia Group produces fish floss twice. The production process takes about 9 hours per session. Rosmina, from the Kembang Dahlia Group, explained that the entire process of making fish floss is done independently, from sourcing raw materials to packaging.

The high-quality fish floss is securely and attractively packaged. The raw materials for fish floss production are obtained from local fishermen in three nearby hamlets, including Saburangiah, Bansiang, and Alasah.

Fisheries Potential in the Selayar Islands

The waters of the Selayar Islands have abundant fish resources, especially skipjack tuna, mackerel tuna, and tuna. These fish have high economic value and are in demand in the market. This fisheries potential can be optimized through the development of processed fish products, such as fish floss production.

Fish floss businesses have the potential to be sustainable because fish floss has a long shelf life and is easy to distribute. Fish floss can be stored for 6 months to 1 year if properly stored. Fish floss is also compact and not easily damaged, making distribution easy.

Positive Impact of Fisheries Downstreaming

Fisheries downstreaming has had a positive impact on coastal communities in the Selayar Islands, one of which is creating job opportunities for coastal women. This shows that coastal women can also increase their productivity and improve family economies. The fish floss business has provided additional income for coastal communities.

Furthermore, fisheries downstreaming can also increase the added value and competitiveness of fish products. Fish floss has a higher market value compared to raw fish. Selayar Islands’ Fish Floss has been marketed outside the city and even beyond the island.

As a sustainable fisheries company, Aruna appreciates the efforts of the Kembang Dahlia Group in developing fish floss products. The fish floss produced by the Kembang Dahlia Group is a real example of how fisheries downstreaming can have a positive impact on society and the environment.

Maritime Foundation and Aruna are also committed to empowering medium, small, and micro coastal community businesses, especially those involved in fish product processing. Let’s support local fisheries businesses by buying their products. In doing so, we contribute to improving the welfare of coastal communities and the sustainability of fisheries resources.

Aruna Initiative: Savings Program for Fishermen and Coastal Communities

As a fisheries company focused on empowering local fishermen, Aruna has various educational programs for coastal communities. The education programs aim to enhance the awareness and knowledge of coastal communities, especially regarding fishing technology and marine ecosystem sustainability.

Additionally, Aruna has initiated a special savings program for fishermen and coastal communities involved in the Aruna business ecosystem. With this program, Aruna hopes to assist coastal communities in financial management.

What is the savings program initiated by Aruna and what are its impacts on coastal communities?

Why Is This Savings Program Very Important?

The savings program for fishermen and coastal communities is conducted to establish an emergency fund. This emergency fund can be used to meet urgent needs, such as repairing boat engines or fishing gear, unexpected household expenses, and medical costs in case of illness or accidents while working.

Yanuardi Septian, from the Kalimantan Timur Community Development, explains, “Coincidentally, the people here have already seen a number of incidents that forced them to have an emergency fund.”

Previously, in undesirable situations, coastal communities often struggled to seek assistance. With the existence of savings, coastal communities have a reserve fund that can be used to meet needs if necessary.

How Does Aruna’s Savings Program Work?

This savings program is conducted collectively and takes place every two weeks. Members gather and deposit cash to the treasurer. Then, the treasurer collects and stores all the cash in Aruna’s cooperative bank account.

As done by the coastal community in Tanjung Batu, Berau, Kalimantan Timur, with Mr. Moko, Aruna Fisher 001, serving as the treasurer. After the funds are collected, Mr. Moko will validate the finances through a WhatsApp group consisting of fishermen and picker mothers.

The coastal community in Tanjung Batu has been saving regularly since August 2021. Through Aruna’s savings program, coastal communities can save easily and securely. One fisherman in Tanjung Batu, Mr. Jusman, said, “If there is an urgent need someday, this money can be withdrawn anytime.”

What Are the Benefits of Aruna’s Savings Program?

Aruna’s savings program provides various benefits to fishermen and coastal communities. In addition to helping with financial management, this program also offers the opportunity for communities to save for more specific purposes, such as retirement or children’s education funds. Thus, coastal communities can plan for the future more responsibly.

Aruna hopes that this savings program can have a positive long-term impact on fishermen and coastal communities. Active participation, transparency, and proper fund management are needed to ensure the sustainability of this savings program.

This program is one effort to improve the financial literacy of coastal communities. It not only provides a means to save but also imparts insights and skills in managing finances wisely and responsibly. Aruna will continue to provide support to ensure the successful implementation of this program.

Aruna is proud of the coastal communities involved in the Aruna community. Saving is a good habit that should be maintained. Aruna will continue to focus on the welfare of coastal communities through various empowerment programs. In doing so, the fisheries and marine sector will continue to be sustainable and beneficial to the people of Indonesia.

Blue Economy for Sustainability and People’s Welfare

As a maritime country, Indonesia has maritime and fisheries resources that are one of the pillars of the national economy. Efforts to optimize this potential are carried out through the concept of “Blue Economy”, which is the main focus of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) under the leadership of Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono.

Blue Economy is a concept of sustainable use of marine resources to increase economic growth and people’s welfare. This concept covers the maritime, fisheries, tourism, water transportation, renewable energy, and waste management sectors.

KKP’s Five Blue Economy Programs

Here are five Blue Economy programs that are a priority for KKP:

• Expansion of marine conservation areas, to protect and preserve marine ecosystems.
• Catch-share fishing (PIT) based on quotas, to regulate and control the amount of fish that can be caught by fishermen in accordance with the carrying capacity of the waters.
• Development of environmentally friendly aquaculture, to increase the productivity of aquaculture by using environmentally friendly technologies and methods.
• Management and supervision of coastal and small islands, to manage and supervise the resources and potential of coastal and small islands in an optimal and sustainable manner.
• Handling of plastic waste in the ocean, to address the problem of plastic waste in the ocean that can damage marine ecosystems and disrupt fishing activities.

Concept of Blue Economy for Equitable Economic Growth

By implementing Blue Economy, Indonesia can realize equitable economic growth in the maritime and fisheries sector. This means that all parties involved, especially fishermen, can enjoy the benefits of marine and fishery resources.

In addition, the use of resources must also be done sustainably, so as not to reduce the availability and quality of these resources in the future.

The Blue Economy concept is expected to support food security and climate change mitigation. Food security means that Indonesia can meet its food needs, especially animal protein from fishery products. Climate change mitigation means that Indonesia can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Indonesia as a Leader in the Blue Economy Industry

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, was awarded the “Best Leader for Developing Blue Economy Strategy” at the Indonesia Visionary Leader (IVL) 2023. This award was given because Minister Trenggono was considered to be able to conceive and implement Blue Economy-based programs well.

In addition, Doni Ismanto, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for Media and Public Communication, revealed that KKP has succeeded in increasing Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) in the maritime and fisheries sector. In 2022, PNBP reached Rp1.79 trillion, which is a record high since KKP was established in 1999.

These achievements show that Indonesia has great potential to become a leader in the global Blue Economy industry. With a sea area of ​​6.4 million square kilometers, Indonesia also has abundant marine and fishery resources.

Therefore, cooperation from various parties is very necessary to achieve marine sustainability and the welfare of coastal communities.

Aruna, as a fishery company that focuses on empowering coastal communities, has partnered with local fishermen. This has helped to increase the income of local fishermen and create jobs in coastal areas.

In addition, we also use environmentally friendly fishing gear that can help preserve marine resources, and always maintain the quality of the catch so that it meets food safety standards.

Rumpon, the “Home” for Fish that Helps Fishermen Practice Sustainable Fishing

Fisheries are one of Indonesia’s key sectors that contribute significantly to the economy. The sector also plays an important role in improving the welfare of communities, especially in coastal areas. Therefore, efforts are needed to ensure the sustainability of the ocean so that the fisheries sector can continue to develop and be beneficial.

One of the efforts to protect the marine environment is to promote the use of environmentally friendly fishing gear. The Provincial Government of South Sulawesi (Sulsel), for example, has a program to build rumpon or fish houses. What are the impacts of the rumpon building program? To find out more, let’s read this article!

Rumpon: Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear

Rumpon or fish houses are structures that are placed on the seabed or other waters. Rumpon serves as a shelter, gathering place, and breeding ground for fish and marine life.

The advantages of rumpon as an environmentally friendly fishing gear are:

• It does not damage marine habitats and ecosystems. Rumpon can actually help preserve and enrich marine biodiversity.
• It does not produce waste or pollution because rumpon does not use chemicals or toxins that can harm fish and the environment.
• It does not have the potential to overfish, thus protecting small fish and other protected marine life.

By using rumpon, fishermen can catch fish more easily and efficiently. Fish will gather around the rumpon, so fishermen do not need to search for far or uncertain fishing locations. Fishermen only need to approach the rumpon and catch the fish that enter it. This can save operational costs and increase catch.

Rumpon Construction for Fishermen

Given the positive impacts of rumpon construction, the Sulsel Provincial Government plans to build rumpon on a massive scale. Rumpon construction is one of the priority programs of the Provincial Government that is considered strategic to support the fisheries sector in the Sulsel region.

According to the Head of the Sulsel Fisheries and Marine Affairs Office, M. Ilyas, the Sulsel Provincial Government has allocated a budget of Rp 109 billion for the construction of 68,280 units of rumpon for fishermen in 19 regencies/cities. This budget is taken from the 2024 Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) that is specifically for the fisheries sector.

Diversification of Fisheries Programs

In addition to rumpon construction, the Sulsel Provincial Government has also allocated a budget for other programs, namely an insurance program for 10,000 fishermen, the restoration of facilities and infrastructure in six fishing ports, and supervision in the field of fisheries and marine affairs.

These programs are expected to support the development of the fisheries sector in Sulsel in a comprehensive manner, both from the production, distribution, and consumption sides. Thus, it is hoped that it can provide broad benefits for the people of Sulsel, including reducing poverty, ensuring food availability, and preventing stunting.

Through the rumpon construction program and various other initiatives, it is hoped that Sulsel can become an example for other regions in efforts to preserve the marine environment, while also improving the welfare of coastal communities.

Aruna, a fishing company that is committed to the sustainability of marine and fisheries resources, also supports the program to use environmentally friendly fishing gear. In its implementation, Aruna fishermen also use environmentally friendly fishing gear, for example, traps used to catch crabs. This shows Aruna’s commitment to maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

Let’s all support programs that can preserve the marine environment. With the support of all parties, we can create a sustainable ocean with all its biodiversity.