JAKARTA, Kominfo – In order to protect the sustainability of fishing by fishermen, governors in six provinces signed a MoU agreement at the Presidential Staff Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (14/9/2021). It was signed by the Governors of Gorontalo, Maluku, North Sulawesi, North Maluku, Papua and West Papua.

The Chief of Staff of the President Moeldoko, Minister of KP Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and the Director General of Regional Administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs Safrizal ZA witnessed the sign or aggreement. On that occasion also was held the Declaration of Boosting the Marine Economy for the Welfare of 6 Provinces (DELTA 6). As the name implies, the declaration is expected to improve the welfare of fishermen and encourage the growth of the fishing and marine industry.

Head of the Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Service, Sila Botutihe, delivered that the signing of the agreement was to provide protection for fishermen across regions. So far, she also added that  fishermen between provinces have difficulty crossing other provinces outside their administrative areas

As we have known that fishing boat area in six provinces have five Fishery Management Areas (WPP), namely 714, 715, 716, 717, 718. Every fisherman who holds a Fishing Permit (SIPI) cannot cross each other in their respective WPPs.

“Well, this problem is often occur and becomes a complaint of fishermen. So far, for example, Gorontalo fishermen while fishing in North Sulawesi area were arrested by the authorities for passing through the WPP earlier. Now this agreement is important as a guarantee that they can pass as long as they complete the documents and will not be arrestted. After all, they Indonesian fishermen, don’t they?” Sila Botutihe stated.

The agreement also gave formulation to ease and to make comfort for fishermen among the six provinces. Gorontalo fishermen who want to do fishing in other provinces is permitted as long as they have an Andon Certificate (STKA) from the previous province and vice versa.

These fishermen must be protected, given a comfort sense, not charged with other conditions that make it difficult or even arrested by the authorities which lead to legal proceedings. The government hopes that this agreement can protect all fishermen, especially in the six provinces,” he added. In addition to the agreement in the field of capture fisheries, the agreement also provides convenience for fishermen in the fields of cultivation and salt farming. In turn, it is expected to increase the national fishing industry to realize Indonesia as the single world’s maritime

Reporter: Dzakir/Isam
Translated by : Fera Katili