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.

Optimizing the Potential of the Biak Karon Indigenous Community

Many are still unaware of the crucial role that indigenous communities play in maintaining ecosystem balance and preserving marine resources. This is why the Nature Conservation Foundation of Indonesia (YKAN) supports the development of areas managed by indigenous legal systems. YKAN’s support for the development of indigenous legal communities is, in itself, an endorsement of the government’s ongoing efforts to empower these communities, which are integral to the implementation of sustainable fisheries practices.

The Government Continues to Promote Legal Empowerment of Indigenous Communities

Since 2016, the government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), has facilitated the recognition and protection of 27 indigenous legal community communities, reinforced by 20 Regent/Mayor Regulations. YKAN believes that with a sound management framework, areas managed by indigenous communities can provide greater economic and ecological benefits. It is essential to provide support and guidance to blend traditional and modern knowledge, enabling indigenous communities to optimize their potential, whether in terms of marine tourism, maritime culture, aquaculture, or restoration.

One form of full government support to maximize the potential of indigenous communities is reflected in Tambrauw Regent Regulation No. 12 of 2019 concerning the Recognition and Protection of the Indigenous Legal Community of Werur in the Bikar District, which falls under the Indigenous Legal-Based Coastal and Marine Resource Management of Tambrauw Regency. This area is home to the Biak Karon indigenous community. YKAN collaborates with various partners to organize the Munara Beba Biyak Karon Indigenous Festival in Wenur Raya, Tambrauw Regency, South West Papua Province from March 22-25.

YKAN supports the government in making indigenous communities a vital pillar in preserving ecosystem sustainability by providing guidance to help them tap into their potential. The recent indigenous festival was not just filled with various cultural competitions, crafts, culinary delights, local products, and traditional arts to entertain, but it also aimed to strengthen the Biak Karon indigenous community, reviving their traditional wisdom.

The Biak Karon tribe’s festival included a variety of cultural contests, crafts, cuisine, unique products, and other traditional arts for entertainment, but it also marked the first time that all clans of the Biak Karon tribe gathered to support the success of the festival and conduct the sasi ceremony. According to local religious figures, the sasi tradition is a significant activity that the Biak Karon community had long abandoned and was no longer practiced by the local people. However, the sasi tradition plays a crucial role in coastal communities in maintaining ecosystem balance.

The Biak Karon Indigenous Community Sets a Positive Example in Fisheries Sustainability

Yunus Rumansara, Chairman of the Biak Karon Indigenous Council, joyfully exclaimed, “Utilizing natural resources wisely is the wisdom passed down from our ancestors. Through the festival and the revival of the sasi tradition, we strive to care for the environment, both now and for the future.” In an effort to demonstrate the commitment of the Biak Karon community to fisheries sustainability, this traditional festival concluded with a sasisen closing ceremony. This commitment serves as a positive example of sustainable fisheries for other coastal indigenous communities to follow.

The support provided by YKAN to optimize the potential of indigenous communities is praiseworthy and should be emulated by others. Aruna has also been actively involved in providing assistance and education to coastal communities, helping them improve the quality of their production and catch results in the fishing industry. With enhanced production quality, seafood suppliers and other stakeholders are willing to offer better prices to fishermen.

Oil Pollution Disrupts Aquaculture Efforts in Bintan

Fishermen engaged in aquaculture and fishing activities around Bintan Island are once again facing a bitter pill to swallow, as almost every part of the coastal area is bound to be contaminated by uncontrolled black oil. Several sources reveal that the presence of black oil polluting the coastline and coastal areas has been recurring for decades.

“Yes, we just have to accept it every year,” said Kurnia, the Chairman of Neighborhood Association (RT) 02 Neighborhood Unit (RW) 01 in Teluk Bakau Village, Gunung Kijang District, Bintan, Riau Islands. He expressed that they are powerless to address the issue of oil pollution in their area. Instead of reporting the incidents to the relevant authorities, he and the residents prefer to work together to clean up the oil waste because the presence of black waste has become a common occurrence. “Even if we clean it up, the waste will come back when the tide rises,” Kurnia explained.

In addition to disrupting aquaculture and fishing activities, it also has an impact on the tourism sector

Apart from disrupting the activities of the local community, whose primary livelihoods are in aquaculture and fishing, the tourism sector also experiences significant losses every time this oil waste arrives. This includes popular destinations like White Sand, Gunawan Beach, Agro Beach, and Bamboo Beach, all located in Teluk Bakau Village. Bamboo Beach, in particular, has been known for offering clean beaches and delicious seafood for tourists. However, with the arrival of this waste, the management is forced to close their area. It’s worth noting that the seafood dishes served here are not purchased from external seafood suppliers but are the direct catch and cultivation of local fishermen.

The substantial presence of this oil waste undoubtedly disrupts the primary activities of coastal communities involved in aquaculture, as their fish farms also become contaminated. Additionally, the fishermen who go out to sea find their fishing gear automatically affected by the oil waste. This recurring waste not only disrupts the fishermen’s catches but also their livelihoods. Kurnia expressed hope that a solution can be found soon for the oil waste problem, so it no longer affects the livelihoods of the fishermen.

No Certainty About the Cause of the Oil Waste

The contaminated seawater not only pollutes the coastal areas but also generates air pollution, as the oil residue adhering to fish cages emits an unpleasant odor. To date, no one has successfully identified the source of the oil waste that disrupts the fisheries industry on Bintan Island. The operators of Bamboo Beach even revealed that this time the waste is far worse than in 2022.

The operators of tourist areas on Bintan Island have already brought this issue to the attention of PSDKP Bintan, the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Riau Islands Province, the Harbor Master’s Office, and even the local military unit (Babinsa), with the hope that this problem, which has a massive impact on the people of Bintan, can be resolved promptly. The presence of oil waste presents a challenge to the government, which is currently focused on implementing various programs and policies to ensure the quality and sustainability of marine resources.

Aruna hopes that this longstanding and worsening issue can be addressed promptly. Efforts from the government and support from various stakeholders are crucial in identifying the source of the waste and preventing its recurrence. Meanwhile, Aruna Hub, together with the community and local heroes, continues to encourage fishermen to use environmentally friendly engines when at sea to prevent oil leaks from engines that can harm the environment and disrupt the natural balance.

The Importance of Data Digitization in Sustainable Fisheries Concept

Digitalization of infrastructure and facilities using appropriate technology is an important aspect that should be comprehensively applied and understood by the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), especially in integrating it with the sustainable fisheries concept. In order to implement this integrated 4.0 technology, KKP has even developed the Integrated Fisheries Information Tree (PIPT).

The integration of marine and fisheries data has been regulated in Indonesian Ministerial Regulation No. 67 / Permen-KP / 2017, which governs data standards and electronic dissemination in a single data portal unit. The regulation also governs dynamic data authority, which is managed by a level 1 working unit under the coordination of the Ministry’s Data Unit.

1. E-Log Book, A Form of Technology Utilization to Implement Sustainable Fisheries Concept

Recently, KKP has partnered with the Nature Conservation Foundation of Indonesia (YKAN) to organize an event titled “Socialization of E-Log Book and Crew-Operated Data Recording System (CODRS) for Tuna Fishing” held for tuna fishing vessels in Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi. This E-log book for fisheries capture is expected to increase the coverage level of vessels by collecting tuna fishery data ranging from types to weights reported by fishermen.

The existence of this E-log book for fishing vessels will certainly be a crucial key in the fisheries data management system in Indonesia, as well as the application of sustainable fisheries concept that manages measurable fish regulations, so that adequate data and information management in the fisheries sector can run smoothly. With the operation of this E-log book, efficient monitoring of data related to the status and stock of fisheries will become the main reference for regulations governing fishing vessel activities.

2. KKP Facilitates Integrated Digital Data Collection and Helps Fishermen Access Various Services

Coordinator of the Monitoring, Analysis, Management, and Resource Allocation of Fish Group of KKP’s PSDI Directorate, Diding Sudira Efendi stated, “With the implementation of E-log book for fishing activities for fishing vessels over 5 GT (gross ton), we at the Fishery Port Technical Implementation Unit of Region I will also be assisted in obtaining fish production data more easily, accurately, and in real-time.”

Diding also announced that the Indonesian government is currently developing a policy transformation scheme for fisheries management by creating measurable fishing regulations based on quotas. Later, the data collected from the ship’s captains in the E-log book will be integrated data containing the utilization of quotas in the Electronic Measurable Fishing Application (e-PIT).

3. Local Heroes and Aruna Hub Help Fishermen Get Closer to Technology

Aruna, which has been inviting coastal communities, especially fishermen, to apply the sustainable fisheries concept by using appropriate technology, highly appreciates KKP’s step in implementing and socializing this E-log book. Moreover, KKP’s move is in line with the implementation of the sustainability concept that must use technology and data to optimize management in the fisheries sector.

In reaching and mobilizing coastal communities in various regions to be involved and implement sustainability insights in fisheries activities, the presence of Aruna Hub and Local Heroes always becomes the front guard. Therefore, KKP must remember to involve community leaders when socializing various activities and policies. Of course, Aruna, as a fisheries company that focuses on improving the living standards of fishermen, will be happy to accept cooperation from KKP if needed to socialize the implementation of technology for fishermen.

Pelagic Fish and Demersal Fish, the Primadonna of Sea Fisheries Supply

Until now, consumers of fishery products have only distinguished fish based on their water habitat, namely freshwater fish, brackish water fish, or saltwater fish. If asked about pelagic or demersal fish, many people are still unfamiliar with the classification of these types. However, the largest export market for fisheries supply comes from fish that originate from pelagic and demersal species.

Unlike large players in the fisheries industry, they are certainly very familiar with the characteristics and differences between pelagic and demersal fish. The classification of pelagic and demersal fish is based on the type of marine habitat.

1. Definition of Pelagic Fish and Demersal Fish

Pelagic fish are fish that live on the surface of the water and live in groups.

Demersal fish are fish that live on the bottom of the muddy, sandy and rocky sea floor.

The classification of pelagic fish is further based on their size, namely small and large pelagic fish. Unlike pelagic fish, Syahrizal Siregar, Business Operations Officer of Aruna, stated, “The classification of demersal fish is distinguished by more complex characteristics based on their density and swimming ability, namely shape and bentopelagic. As an integrated fisheries commerce in the fisheries sector, Aruna also wants pelagic and demersal fish species to be familiar to the general public.”

2. Differences between Pelagic Fish and Demersal Fish

• Individual vs Group
  The most distinguishing characteristic between these two types of fish is how they live in their habitat, as pelagic fish are accustomed to living in groups while the other type is accustomed to living individually.
• Oil content in the body
  Demersal fish only have an oil content of 1%-4% of their total body weight. On the other hand, oil can be found in up to 30% of the body of pelagic fish, making the flesh of demersal fish included in the category of white fish.

3. Primadona Fisheries Supply Commodities from Pelagic and Demersal Fish

Each pelagic and demersal fish in Indonesian waters is a primadona commodity in the fisheries sector, both for domestic and international markets. Some examples include:

• Pelagic fish: skipjack, tuna, mackerel, Indian mackerel, anchovy
• Demersal fish: grouper, snapper, milkfish, pomfret, red snapper

The general public is certainly familiar with and consider the above fish as food. Syahrizal said, “Not only in the Aruna ecosystem, but in general, from each of these two types of marine fish, the primadona and widely available in various seafood suppliers are skipjack, which is a pelagic fish, and grouper from demersal fish.”

4. Despite Having Economic Value, Fish Sustainability Must be Maintained

Both pelagic and demersal fish have been commercially caught for a long time to meet fisheries supply needs and serve as the main dish in restaurants and households. Therefore, the habitats of both types of fish must be monitored to prevent overfishing, which can cause environmental damage and drastically reduce their availability.

Aruna, as a fisheries company that prioritizes the application of sustainable fisheries concepts, continues to work with fishing communities to maintain the availability of fish and their habitats, and to use fishing methods that do not harm the environment. “With the increasing number of Aruna Hubs spread across various coastal areas in Indonesia, the application of sustainable fishing methods has been proven to improve the livelihoods of fishermen in terms of understanding and economics,” said Syahrizal when asked about one of the steps Aruna takes to implement sustainable fisheries.

In addition to successfully opening up wider market access for local fishing communities to meet their fisheries supply needs, many fisheries companies through their ecosystems also make many efforts to ensure that the economy and ecology can work in synergy. Aruna is an example of a fisheries company that can encourage its member fishermen to actively participate in preserving the aquatic habitat.

Making Indonesia the World’s Maritime Axis in 2045

The Republic of Indonesia, with its vast archipelagic territory and vast marine resources, has set its vision to become the world’s maritime axis in 2045. However, there are many obstacles to overcome in various sectors that must be addressed to achieve this grand goal. One way to facilitate Indonesia’s progress is to make Indonesia the center of sustainable fisheries in the world.

Indonesia is one of the world’s important ports

The world’s maritime sector is not just about fisheries and marine affairs but also involves sea trade routes that have been dominated by neighboring countries. Vice President K.H Ma’ruf Amin stated that 90% of global trade transported through sea routes, 40% of which pass through the Malacca Strait, especially Indonesian waters. From the global sea trade route aspect, Indonesia already has a fairly important position. Even thanks to various improvements in dwelling time at Indonesian ports by the end of 2022, it will only take 2-2.5 days, far shorter than in 2016, which could take up to one week.

On the maritime infrastructure side, the Indonesian government has made many improvements to realize its vision of becoming the world’s maritime axis, including the marine resources handled by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves). The real results of the synergy between these two ministries to strengthen Indonesia’s maritime pillar are becoming increasingly visible.

Making Indonesia the World’s Maritime Axis and the Center of Sustainable Fisheries

With the various recorded advancements, is Indonesia already worthy of the title of maritime axis or the center of sustainable fisheries in the world? The answer is still not yet, but it is getting closer. The government, through the KKP, has even created five priority programs that have been running with the aim of advancing the economy as well as the ecology of the maritime sector.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the report entitled “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022” released data that China is the country with the highest marine fish production in the world and the main seafood supplier with a yield of 11.77 million tons, while Indonesia’s total production is 6.4 million tons. Meanwhile, the big problem that still hinders the fisheries industry in Indonesia is illegal fishing. To reduce illegal fishing, the KKP has even issued the Measured Fish Capture (PIT) policy.

Implementation of the PIT Program as a Solution to 2 Problems at Once

The PIT policy has also been implemented by the Chinese government to regulate target vessel limits, fishing gear used, and fishing permits, but the Chinese government encourages fishermen to catch as many fish as possible (overfishing). This can be used as a weapon by Indonesia by applying sustainability awareness and continuously improving production capacity so that Indonesian fish will be more valued because they are obtained or cultured while balancing the ecology in line with the blue economy concept.

Indonesia’s potential marine resources are still very large because China, with an area of 3.5 million km2 of sea, can produce fish with a total of 11.77 tons. Meanwhile, Indonesia, with an area twice the size of China’s sea (6.3 million km2), can only produce 6.4 million tons. This weakness can actually be turned into strength so that with the KIP policy taken by the government while running four other priority programs, it can increase fishery production through other channels, namely cultivation. The Indonesian government’s step to make PIT a solution to reduce illegal fishing while increasing fishery cultivation efforts is a brilliant effort.

Support from all stakeholders in the fisheries industry is needed.

What needs to be noted by fisheries practitioners from upstream to downstream, including Aruna itself as a fisheries company, is to continue to support Indonesia to strengthen its pillars in order to become the world’s maritime axis and center of sustainable fisheries in the world. Especially with the presence of Aruna Hub which has helped implement sustainable fisheries and increase fishermen’s income, Aruna will continue to support the government to advance the maritime world, especially the fisheries sector in Indonesia.

Laguna Wayag is a Suitable Candidate for Sustainable Fisheries Case Study

People who are fond of traveling may already be familiar with Raja Ampat, especially the Wayag area. Moreover, lovers of the beauty of the sea and diving enthusiasts must have included Wayag, which is located in West Papua Province, in their list of favorite diving spots. What many people still don’t know is that in this exotic lagoon area, there is a conservation area with a technological approach that deserves to be explored deeper as a case study of sustainable fisheries.

The conservation area is the first ever coral manta ray growth habitat in the world located in the West Waigeo National Conservation Area, where the Wayag Lagoon which has become a worldwide tourist destination is included in the conservation area. Managing an area with 2 major activities in the form of tourism and conservation is certainly not easy. However, apparently this has been successfully carried out by the government through the management of the Raja Ampat Conservation Area.

Conservation in Waya as a Sustainable Fisheries Case Study that Has Received International Appreciation

Not long ago, in an event held in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, the Marine Conservation Institute (MCI) held the 2nd United Nations Ocean Conservation. On this occasion, the Raja Ampat Conservation Area was awarded a gold level Blue Park Award. The honor was awarded because MCI saw that the management of coral manta ray conservation in Raja Ampat was successful and effective, even though the conservation area shares the same area as the tourist area.

The appreciation obtained by the management of this conservation area is the proof of their hard work. The government through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is indeed optimizing its human resources, along with the use of appropriate technology in managing the area. Several technological implementations that have made conservation management in Wayag worthy of emulation and made into sustainable fisheries case studies that have been carried out since 2013 include:

• Photo ID & Drone method
• Satellite Locator Method
• Passive Acoustic Tracking Method

Using these three methods, it was observed that the juveniles of coral manta rays were detected almost continuously in the Wayag Lagoon area without leaving the area for more than 4 months.

The Support of All Elements of Society Determines the Success of Conservation Management

The results of observations and findings summarized by a team consisting of experts and researchers regarding coral manta rays have been collected in an open-access scientific journal on Frontiers in Marine Science. Departing from this scientific journal, the National Marine Protected Areas Agency (BKKPN) formulated a better management strategy to improve the protection of the manta ray enlargement areas and ensure the survival of the juvenile coral manta rays that live in the Wayag Lagoon.

The success of the management of the Raja Ampat Islands Marine Conservation Area in elaborating the right utilization of technology as well as natural resources and human resources is a valuable lesson in itself. This is due to the fact that the Indonesian region has 201 conservation areas spread across various regions. Cross-sectoral synergy between the government, academics and other actors involved in the water sector is really needed.

How the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries strives for the fisheries industry to develop while continuing to strive for the implementation of sustainable fisheries must indeed involve all levels of society, bearing in mind that economic progress without being accompanied by maintained natural conditions will backfire in the future.

We all have to play an active role so that there are no more actions that could damage nature or there are cases where protected animals are actually sold by unscrupulous seafood suppliers just for profit. Therefore, Aruna built Aruna Hub, a supply point where Aruna also empowers coastal communities through several activities, such as seafood transactions, warehousing, and community gatherings throughout Indonesia. As one of the elements in the marine ecosystem, Aruna will continue to support the government’s efforts so that the wider community can implement sustainability insights. With the application of sustainable insights in various aspects, economic and ecological progress can be achieved simultaneously.

The Number of Aruna Fishermen Continues to Grow, Here’s How Aruna Improves Their Welfare

The fishing company Aruna has embraced nearly 40,000 fishermen spread across 27 provinces in Indonesia. This number will continue to grow in line with Aruna’s long-term business targets to fulfill the company’s mission.

“I am proud to be part of Aruna. My catch can reach international markets, and I can see the benefits. I am even able to send my child to university because of my involvement with Aruna’s fishermen. Aruna has helped me in many ways. Aruna can be considered the prosperity of fishermen’s lives today. Therefore, I want to say thank you, Aruna,” said Muridon, an Aruna fisherman from Bangkalan.

Aruna realizes that fishermen are one of the most important communities in the sustainable business chain, so the company’s business operations focus on providing added value and improving the welfare of Aruna’s fishermen. In the field, Aruna’s fishermen have been able to increase their income nearly tenfold. In addition, in mid-2022, Aruna facilitated two fishermen from Mola Village, Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, in receiving land empowerment certificates over the sea from the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.

Currently, in line with the focus of Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), which is actively discussing the Marine and Fisheries Business Actor Card (KUSUKA), Aruna plays a key role in this. The KUSUKA card program, aimed at fishermen, farmers, aquaculture workers, and other fishing business actors, offers many benefits, such as easier access to people’s business credit financing, assistance applications for fishermen, and acting as an identification card for the fishermen themselves.

Certainly, Aruna will continue to collaborate with the government to realize the Blue Economy, making the welfare of fishermen the central spirit of the global maritime axis. Therefore, Aruna is present in coastal villages in Indonesia with programs to empower fishermen. The company ensures sustainable market availability both domestically and for export. Aruna also ensures that fishermen are protected through the ownership of KUSUKA cards and BP Jamsostek for fishermen who are part of Aruna.

“We welcome the government’s initiative positively, and of course, we want to take part in this. I believe KUSUKA will provide many benefits for fishermen, especially for our fishermen. Aruna is ready to help and get involved in assisting our fishermen in obtaining the KUSUKA cards,” concluded Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder & Chief Sustainability of Aruna.

KJRI di San Fransisco Undang Aruna, Bicarakan Peluang Pasar Hasil Laut

Pada 11 Mei 2022, Aruna, perusahaan perikanan terintegrasi asal Indonesia, diundang oleh Konsulat Jenderal Republik Indonesia (KJRI) di San Fransisco untuk mendiskusikan peluang Aruna untuk menjadikan San Fransisco sebagai salah satu negara tujuan ekspor hasil laut Indonesia. Diwakilkan langsung oleh Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder dan Chief Sustainability Officer Aruna, agenda tersebut juga dihadiri oleh Nugroho Y. Aribhimo selaku Konsul Ekonomi I dan Kuntum Khaira Ummah selaku Konsul Ekonomi II. Pada kesempatan yang sama, Utari juga memperkenalkan profil dan visi perusahaan yang telah dibinanya selama enam tahun tersebut secara lebih mendalam.

Mendengar gaung Aruna di Amerika Serikat, KJRI di San Fransisco pun dengan antusias menyimak cerita dari Utari, salah satu Co-Founder Aruna, yang singgah ke kantor KJRI di San Fransisco tentang Aruna. Utari berkata, “Kami menyadari betul bahwa Indonesia memiliki potensi yang luar biasa di industri maritim. Kalau Thailand memiliki Agoda, Tiongkok memiliki Alibaba, mimpi kami adalah menjadikan Aruna sebagai trademark-nya Indonesia. Ketika bicara Aruna, orang ingat Indonesia, dan ketika bicara Indonesia, orang ingat Aruna. Aruna berkomitmen untuk terus mencari peluang guna menjadikan San Fransisco sebagai salah satu negara tujuan ekspor hasil laut Indonesia.” 

Bukan sekadar perusahaan startup perikanan terintegrasi, Aruna juga berkomitmen untuk secara konsisten melakukan banyak program edukatif tentang perikanan berkelanjutan. “Nelayan kita ini punya pengalaman yang pragmatis. Mereka mengerti betul apa yang mereka lakukan. Aruna, sebagai startup perikanan, hadir untuk semakin mempertajam kemampuan mereka tentang kelautan dan perikanan, implementasi keberlanjutan secara menyeluruh, mengenalkan mereka pada teknologi dan aplikasi digital milik Aruna, serta memberdayakan para perempuan pesisir,” ucap Utari. 

Menanggapi hal tersebut, Nugroho pun mengungkapkan, “Kami percaya bahwa mimpi Aruna adalah mimpi yang mulia. Kami ingin mendukung Aruna untuk dapat menembus pasar yang jauh lebih luas lagi agar semakin banyak pula nelayan Indonesia yang sejahtera.” Kuntum juga menyebutkan bahwa potensi Aruna untuk menjadikan San Fransisco sebagai salah satu negara tujuan ekspor hasil laut Indonesia sangatlah menjanjikan. Ia menambahkan. “Satu hal yang paling penting: traceability. Konsumen di sini mau memastikan bahwa produk yang mereka konsumsi itu terjamin dari segi kualitas dan keberlanjutan bisnis. Sebagai startup perikanan, Aruna sudah mau menekuni itu.”

Aruna merupakan sebuah startup perikanan terintegrasi asal Indonesia yang berkomitmen untuk meringkas rantai pasok produk perikanan dengan menghubungkan nelayan skala kecil ke pasar global melalui teknologi. Tak hanya secara reguler melaksanakan program edukatif tentang perikanan berkelanjutan dan memberdayakan para perempuan pesisir, Aruna kini juga tengah fokus untuk mengembangkan sebuah aplikasi yang biasa disebut Aruna Heroes. Aplikasi ini digadang untuk menjamin traceability produk tangkapan Nelayan Aruna di pasar lokal, terutama global. Hal ini menjadi salah satu faktor yang mendorong Aruna untuk terus memperluas negara tujuan ekspor hasil laut Indonesia.

Perempuan jadi Sumber Kekuatan di Kehidupan Pesisir, Kok Bisa?

Bukan hanya kekayaan laut Indonesia yang lagi-lagi membuat kita terpana. Para pelaku aktif di dalamnya, termasuk perempuan, pun menjadi subjek yang membangkitkan harapan Indonesia tentang kehidupan pesisir yang lebih baik. Kendati kerap terhimpit stigma, perempuan tetap berusaha menjadi bagian kokoh dari industri perikanan dan kelautan Indonesia. Ya, mereka berperan sebagai penyokong aktivitas ekonomi di pesisir.

Di Hari Kartini ini, Aruna sebagai startup bidang perikanan Indonesia yang peduli akan kesetaraan di lingkungan perikanan dan kelautan Indonesia, mengajak Teman Aruna untuk mengenal peran perempuan di pesisir Indonesia. Dengan tetap menjaga semangat sustainable fisheries, kita pun bisa bersama-sama belajar mengenai kontribusi konkret perempuan di wilayah pesisir.

1. Berdikari, sebagai pelaku utama aktivitas perikanan dan kelautan Indonesia

Di Indonesia, kehadiran dan peran perempuan dalam ranah perekonomian perikanan dan kelautan memang terbilang masif. Tak main-main, sebagai pelaku aktif, perempuan mengisi 42 persen angkatan kerja di sektor perikanan. Sebanyak 72 persen bekerja pada sektor pemasaran hasil laut dan 4 persen sebagai nelayan. Menurut Susan Herawati dari Koalisi Rakyat Untuk Keadilan Perikanan (KIARA), perempuan Indonesia setidaknya menyumbang 169.000 metrik ton ikan senilai $253.000.000. Tentu saja, ini merupakan angka yang masif dari perempuan hebat Indonesia!
Dalam lingkup aktivitas ekonomi perikanan, para perempuan Indonesia terlibat di berbagai tahapan, seperi pada masa prapanen dan pascapanen. Banyak hal dilakukan oleh perempuan di masa prapanen seperti menyediakan logistik berupa makanan, bekal selama melaut dan mempersiapkan berbagai peranti atau perlengkapan untuk melaut. Untuk kegiatan pascapanen, mereka melibatkan diri dalam penyortiran ikan, pengolahan dan pemasaran hasil tangkapan.

2. Perempuan, untuk industri perikanan dan kelautan yang berkesinambungan dan adil

Terlibat aktif dalam kegiatan perikanan dan penjagaan ekosistem laut, perempuan tentu menjadi salah satu pilar kokoh industri perikanan dan kelautan Indonesia. Bukan semata-mata mencari pencaharian, mereka juga sadar bahwa laut Indonesia telah berhasil menghidupi mereka, sehingga mereka pun harus menjaga laut tercinta. Kesetaraan gender dan profesionalitas harus terus ditegakkan supaya para perempuan Indonesia mampu menjaga eksistensi mereka sebagai bagian solid dari ekonomi perikanan dan kelautan.

Ada berbagai usaha yang dilakukan oleh perempuan di berbagai wilayah Indonesia untuk tetap menjaga sustainable fisheries. Di pulau Tanake, Sulawesi Selatan, para perempuan lokal yang bekerja sebagai penanam rumput laut saling bergotong royong dalam menjaga hutan mangrove beserta ekosistem di sekitarnya. Kemudian, para perempuan nelayan gurita di Kaur, Bengkulu mencatat tangkapan mereka sembari memperhatikan ekstraksi gurita guna mengurangi eksploitasi gurita. Sekali mangayuh dayung, dua pulau terengkuh, ya?

3. Usaha pengentasan malnutrisi dan kemiskinan dari perempuan Indonesia

Sebagai pihak yang sering “ditunjuk” sebagai pengurus rumah tangga, sudah bukan rahasia lagi bahwa perempuan cakap dalam menyediakan asupan makanan bergizi bagi anggota keluarga. Mereka kerap menyulap hasil tangkapan menjadi berbagai olahan kreatif, seperti nugget dan bakso ikan, sehingga kebaikan laut dapat tersajikan dengan bentuk yang beragam.

Para perempuan pesisir tentu sadar bahwa olahan kreatif ini juga akan membawa nilai tambah tersendiri. Ketika hasil tangkapan sudah diproses sedemikian rupa, maka value dari produk tersebut akan naik. KIARA menyebutkan bahwa 48 persen pendapatan domestik diperoleh dari perempuan. Usaha nyata ini bisa dilihat sebagai bukti nyata peranan perempuan Indonesia untuk mengentaskan malnutrisi dan kemiskinan, setidaknya di lingkup keluarga.

Kesimpulannya, sudah tak valid lagi rasanya untuk memandang perempuan sebagai second-class gender, terlebih di ranah perairan dan kelautan. Nyatanya, perempuan pesisir tetap dengan proaktif dan kreatif memposisikan diri mereka untuk menjadi pihak yang berperan aktif dalam perekonomian keluarga dan kelestarian laut Indonesia. Yuk, apresiasi eksistensi sekaligus usaha perempuan Indonesia demi laut yang adil dan berkesinambungan.