Aruna Creates Sustainable Fisheries Forum

On March 17 and 18 2022, Aruna, a fisheries startup from Indonesia that is revolutionizing the seafood trade ecosystem through technology, held an event entitled “Indonesia Ocean Sustainability Forum (IOSF) 2022 by Aruna”.

As one of a series of events for Aruna’s 6th anniversary, IOSF 2022 by Aruna presents an FGD, talk show and webinar that thoroughly examines the implementation of marine ecosystem sustainability. Aruna’s 6th anniversary event was also attended by various expert speakers, such as academics, government officials, business practitioners and NGOs.

The event was opened by Aruna’s Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, Utari Octavianty. She said, “IOSF 2022 by Aruna marks our optimism in the sustainability of marine ecosystems which can be implemented through responsible business processes in economic, social and environmental aspects. Until now, through our Local Heroes in the field, we educate fishermen about many things, such as knowledge of using environmentally friendly fishing gear and the importance of the concept of sustainability. “On the other hand, we also facilitate them with access to capital, health insurance, as well as providing employment opportunities for the fishermen’s wives.”

Attended by Experts In The Field of Fisheries

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KP) of the Republic of Indonesia, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, represented by the Head of the KP Research and Human Resources Agency, I Nyoman Radiarta, also provided his support regarding ecological and economic harmony in marine ecosystems or known as the Blue Economy. This Blue Economy is believed to be able to open up investment and employment opportunities, as well as further boost the national economy. Concurring with this, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said that his party was also ready to collect global commitments in order to realize marine health restoration by implementing fishing quotas. The commitment is made to realize sustainable fisheries and seafood. On the same occasion, LPEM UI also presented the results of its research regarding improving the economy of coastal communities following the presence of Aruna as a domestic startup operating in the fishery industry.

Outcome from the IOSF 2022 forum

To find out in more detail, the IOSF 2022 by Aruna research and events as a whole refer to the 3 main points below, namely:

• The importance of formulating and grounding the Blue Economy concept and having a clear blue print regarding Indonesia’s fisheries strategy.
• There is a need for assistance and education for Indonesian fishermen about Climate Change and its impact on marine commodities.
• Formulation of government regulations that are steady and pro-community. This is done so that business actors can operate more calmly and the level of investor confidence in the fisheries sector in Indonesia will be higher.

The hope is that these 3 points can become our shared framework for achieving ecosystem and fisheries sustainability. “Indonesia Ocean Sustainability Forum (IOSF) 2022 by Aruna” marks Aruna’s commitment to the welfare of all stakeholders in the fishing industry, starting from fishermen, coastal communities, business people, government, and the general public, such as consumers.