KKP and YKAN Strengthen Collaboration for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Indonesian Waters

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), through its Directorate General of Capture Fisheries (DJPT), has formed a strategic partnership with Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) to promote sustainable capture fisheries management in the country. The signing of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS), held at the Mina Bahari Building, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, represents a concrete step by the Indonesian government toward preserving marine ecosystems while improving the welfare of fishermen.

Director General of Capture Fisheries at KKP, Lotharia Latif, stated that the collaboration includes key programs focusing on priority commodities such as snapper, grouper, and tuna. Managing these key commodities is part of a broader food system transformation aimed at optimizing aquatic-based food sources, commonly called Blue Food.

The programs under this agreement include the management of snapper and grouper fisheries in priority Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI), tuna fisheries management in WPPNRI 713, 714, and 715, and community-based coastal fisheries management in WPPNRI 714 and 715. Several strategic steps have been agreed upon to support these initiatives, including data strengthening, the application of artificial intelligence for tuna catch identification, transforming fishery commodity markets, and supporting the implementation of a Harvest Strategy.

Latif emphasized that this collaboration is expected to accelerate innovation in Indonesia's fisheries sector. "We welcome this partnership as a joint effort to support sustainable fisheries management. We hope it will expedite the adoption of technological innovations, such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) for fisheries data systems, to ensure the sustainability of fish resources," he said.

YKAN's Director of Marine Programs, Muhammad Ilman, echoing this sentiment, underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration for ensuring Indonesia's marine sustainability. "Effective fisheries management requires synergy between the government and conservation organizations. With science-based approaches and community involvement, we are optimistic that Indonesia's fisheries management can achieve a balance between ecological preservation and economic benefits for coastal communities," Ilman stated.

The implementation of this collaboration will be outlined in an action plan that includes various initiatives such as improving fisheries governance, providing technical assistance to fisher groups, and facilitating the development of community-based policies, including Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM). KKP and YKAN will also share data and information to support science-based decision-making.

Marine Resources for Ecological and Economic Balance

Indonesia's fishery resources are critical to the aquatic ecosystem's life-support system. In addition to providing high-protein food, the sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 2.7 million fishermen. With an annual marine fisheries production volume of 7.7 million tons and a production value of around IDR 212 trillion (KKP Data Center, 2024), ensuring the sector's sustainability is a key focus for KKP.

Aligned with this vision, YKAN has supported KKP since 2016 by strengthening fishery resource management. This includes assisting in the enactment of the Ministerial Decree on Fisheries Management Plans (RPP) for snapper and grouper in 2021 and drafting strategies for tropical tuna utilization in WPPNRI 713, 714, and 715.

“By the end of 2023, YKAN had supported the management of snapper and grouper fisheries through data provision, information and technology systems, stakeholder capacity building, and improved planning and management. This collaboration is a collective effort to ensure the sustainability of marine resources that support millions of lives,” said Glaudy Perdanahardja, YKAN’s Senior Manager for Sustainable Fisheries.

This agreement aligns with Indonesia's commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is expected to advance sustainable marine resource management in Indonesia while balancing ecological interests with the well-being of coastal communities.