Achieving sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia cannot rely solely on government regulations. It requires strong collaboration among government institutions, academia, the private sector, research institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners. This spirit of collaboration was the central theme of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Networking Gathering entitled “Partner Synergy in Supporting the Implementation of Quota-Based Fisheries Management through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM)”, organized by the Directorate of Fisheries Resources Management (PSDI) under the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), on 28 July 2026.

The EAFM Networking Gathering entitled “Partner Synergy in Supporting the Implementation of Quota-Based Fisheries Management through the EAFM, supported through funding from the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project, was held at Bigland Hotel Bogor on 28 July 2026. The event served as a forum to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in supporting the implementation of Indonesia's Quota-Based Fisheries (PIT) policy toward sustainable fisheries management.

The forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders to align programmes, strengthen coordination, and foster collaboration in supporting the implementation of Quota-Based Fisheries (PIT) Management, one of the Ministry's strategic fisheries policies.

The event also formed part of the support provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI), a global programme established to address biodiversity loss, the impacts of climate change, and the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems. In Indonesia, this support is delivered through the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project entitled “Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Eastern Indonesia within Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs or WPPNRI) 715, 717, and 718, Components A, B, and D.” The project has become one of the key foundations supporting the implementation of sustainable Quota-Based Fisheries policies in Indonesia.

The Chair of the Organizing Committee, Zulfikar, who also serves as Head of the FMA-Based Fisheries Resources Management Working Team, presented the implementation report of the EAFM Networking Gathering.

In his report, Zulfikar explained that the forum was designed to harmonize the work plans and programmes of the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries with those of various development partner organizations, enabling PIT implementation to be carried out more effectively through the EAFM.

“We hope this forum will help build a common understanding, strengthen coordination, and enhance collaboration among all stakeholders in supporting adaptive, sustainable, and ecosystem-based capture fisheries management,” he said.

He added that the meeting was attended by approximately 120 participants representing ministries and government agencies, subnational governments, universities, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), civil society organizations (CSOs/NGOs), fisheries practitioners, and development partners.

In his remarks, Mohammad Abdi Suhufan, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on Fishers and Fishing Vessel Crew Protection, emphasized that PIT is an important part of the marine and fisheries sector transformation agenda for the next five years.

Mohammad Abdi Suhufan, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on Fishers and Fishing Vessel Crew Protection, delivered his opening remarks during the EAFM Networking Gathering.

According to him, the successful implementation of the policy depends not only on the regulatory framework, but also on institutional readiness, the quality of fisheries data, adequate budget support, and strong synergy among all stakeholders.

“We need input from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of the Quota-Based Fisheries can effectively address fisheries resources management challenges in Indonesia. Collaboration among the government, universities, the private sector, and development partners will be the key to its success,” said Abdi.

He also highlighted the persistent weaknesses of the national fisheries catch data collecting system. According to him, around 70–80 percent of fish catches are landed at non-fishing ports, meaning that a significant proportion has yet to be captured in the national fisheries statistics system.

“We need to establish a more comprehensive fisheries data collection system. Port infrastructure must be complemented by adequate data collection instruments so that the quota-based policy is truly supported by accurate data,” he said.

A similar message was delivered by Director of Fish Resources Management (PSDI), Syahril Abd. Raup. He explained that the success of the PIT depends heavily on the quality of fish stock data, the institutional strengthening of the Fisheries Management Institutions (LPPs) for the FMAs, and the involvement of universities.

Director of Fish Resources Management (PSDI), Syahril Abd. Raup, delivered his opening remarks and officially inaugurated the EAFM Network Gathering.

According to Syahril, MMAF is preparing a cooperation scheme involving approximately 136 universities offering marine and fisheries study programs to support fisheries resources data collection through the participation of faculty members and students.

“We want students to be directly involved in field data collection so that the information generated will not only support fisheries management, but also contribute to research and the advancement of scientific knowledge,” he explained.

He added that the strengthening of LPPs for the FMAs has also become a priority, as the institutions serve as collaborative platforms that bring together government agencies, academia, the private sector, researchers, and local communities to formulate area-based fisheries management recommendations.

In addition, MMAF is currently developing a Fisheries Management Compliance Index as an instrument to measure the level of compliance with various fisheries management policies in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Prof. Indra Jaya of IPB University, who also serves as Chair of the National Scientific Commission on Stock Assessment (Komnas Kajiskan), emphasized that modern fisheries management can no longer rely solely on a sectoral approach.

According to him, EAFM views fishery resources as part of an interconnected system involving habitats and the environment, fishing technology, the socio-economic conditions of communities, and institutional governance.

“The success of fisheries management is not determined by regulators alone. The private sector, academia, and civil society must also become integral parts of a system that mutually reinforces one another,” he said.

He noted that forums such as the EAFM Network provide an important platform for fostering dialogue and developing collective solutions to increasingly complex fisheries management challenges.

Project Manager of the PMU GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, Adipati Rahmat, shared Indonesia's experience in implementing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) as an ecosystem-based fisheries management model that strengthens collaboration, community empowerment, and fishery resources sustainability.

Project Manager of the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Management Unit (PMU), Adipati Rahmat, shared practical experience in implementing this approach. He explained that, from the outset, the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project was designed using the EAFM as the primary framework for promoting sustainable fisheries management.

According to Adipati, fisheries management challenges are inherently complex and therefore need to be broken down into manageable components that can be addressed systematically, ranging from fishery resources, habitats and ecosystems, and fishing techniques to community socio-economic conditions and governance.”

“We have learned that complex challenges cannot be addressed through a single approach. EAFM enables us to break these challenges down into manageable components that can be addressed through gradual and targeted interventions,” he said.

Through this approach, the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia has supported communities and local governments in strengthening capacity, developing fisheries data collection systems, implementing community-based fisheries management, and promoting the recognition of community-managed conservation areas as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

He emphasized that successful fisheries management depends not only on size of the budget but also on the ability to foster collaboration, encourage innovation, and facilitate shared learning among stakeholders.

“This project demonstrates that when government institutions, local communities, academia, and development partners work together, meaningful progress towards sustainable fisheries can be achieved,” he stated.

Through the EAFM Network Forum, all participants agreed that the implementation of Indonesia's Quota-Based Fisheries requires a strong foundation comprising reliable data, effective institutions, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the consistent application of EAFM principles. With such synergy, Indonesia's fisheries management is expected to safeguard the sustainability of fishery resources while improving fishers' livelihoods and enhancing the competitiveness of the national fisheries sector.