Empowering Small-Scale Fisheries: Indonesia’s Strategic Push for Growth
Indonesia is making waves in its efforts to strengthen the backbone of its marine and fisheries sector. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has announced a renewed focus on leveraging this year’s special allocation funds (DAK) to support the advancement of small-scale fish processing units. This initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s broader strategy to achieve food self-sufficiency, boost downstream industries, and ensure access to nutritious meals for all.
“We are rolling out targeted measures to enhance the capabilities of small-scale fish processing units by strategically deploying these funds across 29 provinces,” said Budi Sulistiyo, Director General for the Strengthening of Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products. This declaration, made in a recent press release, highlights the government’s commitment to uplifting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the sector.
MSMEs are the lifeblood of Indonesia’s economy, particularly in the marine and fisheries industry. “These businesses represent over 90 percent of the 4.77 million enterprises in this sector,” Sulistiyo emphasized. “Their role in driving economic growth and creating jobs cannot be overstated.”
Recent data reveals that there are 76,318 micro and small-scale businesses operating in the fisheries processing sector as of 2024. A significant portion—35.5 percent—are located in java, Indonesia’s most populous island. Fish drying remains the most common activity,with 17,033 units dedicated to this process,accounting for 22.3 percent of all businesses. Other prominent activities include fish-based processing,such as surimi production (18.1 percent), and fish preservation (9.9 percent).
Despite their critical role,these small-scale units face several challenges.Maintaining product quality is a persistent issue,compounded by the reliance on traditional processing methods that limit scalability. “The integration of production areas with household kitchens poses a significant hurdle in meeting quality assurance and food safety standards,” Sulistiyo noted.
To address these challenges, the government is adopting a comprehensive approach. This includes capacity-building programs, initiatives to enhance competitiveness, and the rehabilitation of existing production centers. “Supporting these businesses is essential to improving both the quality and quantity of their fishery products,” Sulistiyo explained.
In 2024 alone, the Ministry successfully renovated and rehabilitated 224 small-scale fish processing centers. These efforts focus on upgrading facilities and providing essential processing equipment, ensuring these businesses can thrive in a competitive market.
Indonesia’s commitment to its marine and fisheries sector is not just about economic growth—it’s about securing the livelihoods of millions and ensuring a lasting future for the industry. With strategic investments and targeted support, the nation is paving the way for a more robust and resilient fisheries sector.
What specific strategies is the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries implementing to address the challenges faced by fishers-organisations-ask-govt-not-to-ratify-unequal-wto-pact-on-fisheries-subsidies/” title=”Fishers organisations ask govt not to ratify ‘unequal’ WTO pact on fisheries subsidies”>small-scale fisheries, particularly regarding data collection, infrastructure, and access to markets and financial resources?
Interview with Dr. Arifin Suryanto, Marine Policy Expert and Advisor to Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
By Archyde News
Archyde: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Suryanto. Indonesia’s small-scale fisheries are a critical part of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage. Can you share your insights on the Ministry’s recent strategic push to empower this sector?
Dr. Suryanto: Thank you for having me. Indonesia’s small-scale fisheries are indeed the lifeblood of our coastal communities, employing nearly 90% of the nation’s fishers. Recognizing this, the Ministry has launched a extensive strategy to strengthen this sector. the focus is on sustainability, transparency, and economic empowerment. We’re introducing innovative tools like the fishing logbook system to monitor catches more effectively, ensuring that our marine resources are managed responsibly.
Archyde: That sounds promising. What challenges does Indonesia face in implementing these strategies, particularly with small-scale fisheries?
Dr. Suryanto: One of the biggest challenges is the sheer diversity and scale of small-scale fisheries across Indonesia’s vast archipelago. Tracking and monitoring millions of fishers operating in remote areas is no small feat. Additionally, there’s a need for better data collection and management systems, as well as increased awareness among fishers about lasting practices. Another critical issue is the lack of access to markets and financial resources for small-scale fishers, which limits their growth potential.
archyde: How is the Ministry addressing these challenges?
Dr. Suryanto: We’re taking a multi-pronged approach. First, we’re rolling out training programs to educate fishers on sustainable fishing techniques and the importance of data collection through tools like the logbook system. Second,we’re working with local governments and NGOs to improve infrastructure,such as cold storage and processing facilities,to reduce post-harvest losses. we’re partnering with financial institutions to provide microloans and grants, enabling fishers to invest in better equipment and expand their operations.
Archyde: The fishing logbook system seems like a game-changer.How does it work, and what impact do you expect it to have?
Dr. Suryanto: The fishing logbook system is essentially a digital platform where fishers record their catch data, including species, quantities, and locations. This data is then analyzed to assess fish stocks and inform policy decisions. The system promotes transparency and accountability, helping us combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Over time, we expect it to lead to more sustainable fishing practices and healthier marine ecosystems, which will benefit both fishers and the surroundings.
Archyde: What role do coastal communities play in this initiative,and how are they being engaged?
Dr. Suryanto: Coastal communities are at the heart of this initiative. Their participation is crucial for the success of any policy or program. We’re working closely with community leaders, fisher cooperatives, and local organizations to ensure that our strategies are inclusive and tailored to their needs. We’re also fostering a sense of ownership by involving communities in decision-making processes and encouraging them to take the lead in conservation efforts.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Indonesia’s small-scale fisheries in the next decade?
Dr. Suryanto: My vision is for Indonesia’s small-scale fisheries to be a global model of sustainability and resilience.I see a future where fishers have access to modern technology, fair market prices, and financial stability. I also envision thriving marine ecosystems that support both livelihoods and biodiversity. Achieving this will require continued collaboration between the government, private sector, and coastal communities, but I’m optimistic that we’re on the right path.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Suryanto, for your insightful comments. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these initiatives on Indonesia’s small-scale fisheries.
Dr. Suryanto: Thank you. It’s a collective effort, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important cause.
End of Interview
Published by Archyde News, January 19, 2025
