Wow, Overfishing Reduced Fish by Almost 90%?

Overfishing is a serious threat to the sustainability of fish resources and marine ecosystems. In recent decades, the number of fish caught has exceeded their natural population levels, resulting in a decline in fish stocks worldwide.

In Indonesia, this phenomenon is increasingly worrying. According to the results of the research “Trends in Marine Resources and Fisheries Management in Indonesia in 2022” conducted by the World Research Institute, it was found that more than 50% of the wild fish population in Indonesia experienced overfishing. This not only impacts the current generation, but also future generations.

If not handled properly, it is estimated that by 2050, the food fish population will collapse. This means that future generations will have difficulty getting fish as a food source.

1. Reason Overfishing

Factors that can cause overfishing are:

• Use of fishing gear that is not environmentally friendly.
  Fishing gear that is not environmentally friendly can catch fish non-selectively, including non-target species (bycatch) and small-sized species.

• Excessive and out-of-season fishing.
  Excessive fishing can result in a drastic decline in fish populations. Meanwhile, fishing outside the season can disrupt the spawning and growth of fish.

• Unprotected fishing areas.
  Unprotected areas are vulnerable to irresponsible fishing practices because there is no control over fishing.

2. Impact Overfishing

Impact overfishing consumption of fish species is very large. If this continues, fish populations could decline by up to 90%. This will result in disruption of the balance of the food chain in the marine ecosystem. Fishermen’s catches will also decrease, so fishermen’s income will decrease.

In the long run, overfishing have an impact on future generations. One impact is the loss of fish protein sources, which has a negative impact on children’s health and nutrition. Fish is an affordable and easy to obtain source of protein, so it is very important for children to grow and develop optimally.

Not only that, overfishing also impacts the marine ecosystem as a whole. Damage to coral reefs due to overfishing can reduce marine biodiversity and loss of habitat for marine species.

3. Aruna’s Efforts to Prevent Overfishing

As a fishing company that cares about the sustainability of marine resources, Aruna plays an active role in preventing overfishing. We use environmentally friendly fishing gear, such as traps, hand lines, longlines, lift nets and gill nets to reduce negative impacts on the marine ecosystem.

Apart from that, Aruna also supports the Measurable Fishing policy initiated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). We try to comply with the rules that have been stated in the Measured Fishing (PIT) policy so that the fish population is maintained.

In order to support small-scale fisheries, we empower local fishermen by providing training and mentoring assistance. This is done to improve the skills and productivity of fishermen, so that fishermen can obtain higher quality catches.

Overfishing is a serious problem that must be addressed immediately. We invite the entire community to play a role by choosing fishery products from companies that implement sustainable fishery practices. In this way, we can protect marine resources for a better future.

Let’s work together to preserve fish resources and marine ecosystems so that future generations can still enjoy delicious and nutritious fish.

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.

Maintaining the Quality of Fishery Products, Aruna Implements Hygiene and Sanitation in Production.

Fishery products are an important source of animal protein for the Indonesian population. However, the quality of fishery products can deteriorate if not properly maintained. To ensure that fishery products remain safe and healthy for consumption, one of the methods that can be implemented is to maintain good hygiene and sanitation during the production process.

We will discuss hygiene and sanitation in the fishery industry and the steps taken by Aruna, a fishery company that consistently provides safe and hygienic products.

Hygiene and Sanitation in the Fishery Industry

Hygiene and sanitation aim to maintain the cleanliness and safety of products by preventing contamination by microorganisms and harmful animals. Contamination can lead to various health problems, such as food poisoning and digestive infections. Therefore, fishery business operators must implement good hygiene and sanitation practices in the production process.

Hygiene and sanitation standards for processing fishery products are set by the government through the Minister of Marine and Fisheries Decree No. 52A/KEPMEN-KP/2013 concerning Quality Assurance and Safety Requirements for Fishery Product Production, Processing, and Distribution Processes. These standards require workers handling fishery products to implement good hygiene and sanitation in the workplace.

Benefits of Hygiene and Sanitation in the Fishery Industry

The implementation of good hygiene and sanitation can provide benefits to fishery products, including:

• Improving the quality, safety, and health of fishery products.
• Enhancing the competitiveness of fishery products.
• Building consumer trust.

Hygiene and sanitation also benefit workers and the environment. Good hygiene and sanitation practices can prevent the spread of diseases and environmental pollution. This makes the working environment comfortable, clean, and healthy.

Implementation of Hygiene and Sanitation by Aruna

Aruna is committed to implementing good hygiene and sanitation in its production processes. To achieve this, Aruna provides hygiene and sanitation training to Aruna Pickers, who are members of the coastal community working to process fishery commodities. This training is provided by Aruna’s Quality Control (QC) team.

While working, Aruna Pickers are required to wear appropriate work attire following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), including aprons, hairnets, masks, gloves, and waterproof shoes. The use of cosmetics and jewelry is not allowed. Additionally, Aruna Pickers receive education on how to maintain the cooling chain to minimize temperature fluctuations.

Diana Kartika Pramodhawardhani, a Young Expert in Capture Fisheries Production Management, hopes that coastal communities can continue to help maintain the quality of the fishermen’s catch. This is what allows Aruna to produce high-quality fishery products with quality assurance.

Hygiene and sanitation are crucial factors in maintaining the quality of fishery products. The good practices of hygiene and sanitation implemented by Aruna not only benefit fishery products but also the coastal community and the environment.

As consumers, we can also support the quality of fishery products, the welfare of coastal communities, and ocean sustainability by choosing products from companies that implement good hygiene and sanitation practices. With these small steps, we can create a better future for the Indonesian fishery industry.

Embracing the Blue Economy: Indonesia’s Significant Reduction in Marine Plastic Waste

The United Nations has recognized Indonesia as the leading nation in land-based waste management to curb marine pollution. According to the National Coordination Team for Marine Plastic Waste Handling (TKN PSL), Indonesia has reduced plastic waste in its seas from 615,674 tons in 2018 to 398,000 tons in 2022. This achievement serves as a valuable lesson for island nations in the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) community.

Over the past four years, Indonesia has successfully cut the inflow of plastic waste into its seas by approximately 39%. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems, as evidenced by Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 83 of 2018 on Marine Waste Management. The government has undertaken several initiatives, including:

Implementing an integrated approach to waste management from source to sea.

The primary source of plastic waste in the oceans is land-based. Consequently, Indonesia has not only concentrated on managing waste in coastal and marine areas but has also addressed the issue at its source. Measures include banning single-use plastics in industries, promoting waste separation between organic and non-organic materials, and encouraging the 3R principle: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. These efforts play a crucial role in preventing more plastic waste from reaching the seas.

Educating maritime industry stakeholders on marine waste management.

Apart from land-based sources, plastic waste also originates from ships, including cargo and passenger vessels. Raising awareness among maritime industry stakeholders can help reduce the volume of waste entering the oceans from ships. This education is essential to foster a sense of responsibility among industry stakeholders, ensuring their initiative to protect the marine environment.

Collaborating with neighboring countries to address plastic waste issues in Indonesian waters.

Admittedly, some of the plastic waste in Indonesian waters comes from other nations. Therefore, cooperation with relevant countries is necessary to tackle this issue. In mid-2023, Indonesia hosted the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Workshop on Marine Plastic Debris. Together with ASEAN nations and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members, Indonesia discussed marine plastic waste management as a top priority.

The reduction in marine plastic waste is a result of collective efforts, including the ‘Month of Love for the Sea’ campaign initiated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). This campaign encourages citizens to clean up marine and coastal areas while raising awareness of the importance of preserving marine cleanliness.

Indonesia’s achievements in reducing marine plastic waste demonstrate its commitment to environmental preservation and climate change mitigation. Aruna supports marine conservation by providing education and assistance to fishermen, encouraging plastic waste reduction, waste sorting, reduced use of single-use plastics, and the use of eco-friendly products.

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.

Aruna’s Fisher Products Shine as Prime Fisheries Supply in America

In North America, the Seafood Expo North America (SENA) stands as the largest seafood exhibition. Thousands of stakeholders in the fisheries supply chain, including buyers and suppliers, gather for this three-day annual event. North America itself is a significant importer of various seafood products from around the world. At SENA, Aruna Crab, a premium crab product produced to meet global sustainability standards, took the spotlight, capturing the attention of attending buyers.

Aruna has been present in the North American market since 2017 and continues to thrive due to ongoing import demands. One of the key factors contributing to Aruna’s success in maintaining its position in the global fisheries supply chain is its commitment to delivering top-quality seafood products. International consumers now pay close attention to aspects like traceability, sustainable fisheries, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for every product entering their seafood supply chain.

Aruna Assists the Government in Global Fishery Product Marketing

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, is actively promoting the export of fisheries products. They have targeted five fisheries product commodities to achieve global recognition: shrimp, lobster, crab, seaweed, and tilapia. As an integrated fisheries commerce and supply chain aggregator from Indonesia, Aruna has contributed to the Indonesian government’s goal by supplying three key commodities – crab, shrimp, and fish – for global fisheries supply, especially to America.

Aruna Focuses on Meeting International Fisheries Supply Demands with Globally Standardized Quality Products

Utari Octavianty, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Aruna, stated that Aruna’s products have been present in international markets, with a focus on different commodities for each country. For example, Aruna’s crab has gained recognition for its quality among American consumers, and Aruna consistently meets their demand for this product. Furthermore, other premium commodities from Aruna have also found favor with international consumers. To date, Aruna has produced over 23 premium fisheries products with international quality standards, catering to both domestic and international seafood retail consumers who can enjoy these high-quality Aruna products through the Seafood by Aruna e-commerce platform.

Up to this point, Aruna and the Aruna Hub ecosystem have grown alongside 40,000 Aruna fishermen and 500 coastal women, producing fisheries products that meet the highest Global Food Safety standards, making Aruna’s products suitable for international markets. Moreover, the government has taken steps to advance the fishery product downstream processing to boost the maritime economy. With the growth achieved so far, Aruna is increasingly optimistic about helping the Indonesian government internationalize its fishery products.

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership as the Solution for Implementing Blue Economy

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), has announced the implementation of the blue economy, where the government is committed to restoring the balance of marine habitats and accelerating the marine economy. KKP has even set 5 priority programs that will continue to be implemented to support the blue economy. To successfully carry out these 5 priority programs, KKP sees sustainable fisheries partnership as the most appropriate solution to increase the participation of all stakeholders in supporting the government to achieve its goals.

1. KKP Establishes Sustainable Fisheries Partnership with the World Bank

Of the 5 programs that KKP has identified as priorities to support the implementation of the blue economy concept in Indonesia, they include expanding marine conservation areas, measuring fish catches based on quotas, managing marine, coastal, and inland cultivation, sustainable coastal and small island management, and managing plastic waste in the sea. To successfully carry out the first priority program of expanding marine conservation areas, KKP has even initiated the Insan Terang – Lautra program, a conservation area development program that is funded by the World Bank.

2. Insan Terang – Lautra strengthens conservation management while increasing the fisheries industry

KKP continues to improve infrastructure to support the conservation expansion program through the Insan Terang – Lautra Coral Reef Infrastructure – Prosperous Ocean program. By emphasising sustainable fisheries partnerships, this infrastructure development will be carried out by collaborating with the World Bank. The Insan Terang – Lautra program, which is planned to begin operating effectively in mid-2023, aims to improve the welfare of coastal communities by managing conservation areas that are considered to have marine and fisheries resources.

In other words, the Insan Terang – Lautra program is expected to not only expand and strengthen conservation area management but also provide a livelihood for coastal communities by implementing sustainable aspects in fisheries industry activities.

3. Insan Terang – Lautra Strengthens Conservation Management and Boosts Fisheries Industry

Through this, improving coral reef management and effective conservation management that supports ecological and economic progress can be achieved together. Sustainable fisheries partnerships can also create synergies between the government and stakeholders, especially fishery companies. From the perspective of monitoring and evaluating programs, the government and collaborating parties together with the community can monitor to ensure that KKP’s priority programs run smoothly.

This is similar to what Aruna implements in building synergy with coastal communities and fishermen. Together with Aruna Hub, each party including internal Aruna, Local Heroes, and fishermen transfer knowledge and monitor each other to ensure that sustainable fishing activities can run well and continue to provide benefits.

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.