PELAKITA.ID – I was fortunate to accompany Indonesia’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the time, Susi Pudjiastuti, on her missions.
She is a remarkable figure who contributed greatly to Indonesia’s maritime and fisheries sector. Despite lacking a formal degree, her courage and expertise stood out. Her leadership was unconventional but highly effective, earning her both admiration and controversy.
I first met her in July 2018 at her official residence in Widya Chandra, Jakarta. Soon after, she invited me to travel across Indonesia.
“Help me build Indonesia’s maritime and fisheries sector,” she said. It was a defining moment that led me to witness firsthand her relentless efforts in protecting the nation’s marine resources.
As a blogger and ocean enthusiast, I felt privileged to visit key locations with her, from Pangandaran and Bandung to Natuna, Banda Neira, and Makassar.
Each trip was not just about policy discussions but also about connecting with local fishermen, ensuring they were empowered and benefiting from Indonesia’s rich waters.
I also joined her team on visits to universities, advocating for sustainable marine and fisheries management across Indonesia. Her ability to engage with students, researchers, and policymakers demonstrated her deep passion for fostering a new generation of ocean guardians.
Beyond her policies, what impressed me most was her hands-on approach. She didn’t just sit behind a desk—she went to the field, boarded fishing boats, and engaged directly with coastal communities.
She was never afraid to make tough decisions, especially when it came to eradicating illegal fishing, which had long plagued Indonesia’s waters.
Her policy of seizing and sinking illegal foreign fishing vessels was bold and effective. It sent a strong message that Indonesia would no longer tolerate the exploitation of its marine resources.
As a result, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing declined significantly, allowing fish stocks to recover.
Susi Pudjiastuti is an extraordinary woman—strong, fearless, and unmatched in her dedication to Indonesia’s maritime future.
Her legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that protecting the ocean is not just a duty but a responsibility for generations to come.
A Fearless Leader in Maritime Affairs
Susi Pudjiastuti is a unique and influential figure in Indonesia’s maritime sector, known for her bold leadership and unwavering commitment to ocean conservation. As Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (2014–2019), she implemented groundbreaking policies that reshaped the country’s approach to illegal fishing and marine sustainability.
One of her most notable policies was the aggressive crackdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
She ordered the seizure and destruction of hundreds of illegal foreign fishing vessels, a move that significantly reduced overfishing in Indonesian waters. Her tough stance earned both admiration and controversy, but it undeniably helped restore fish populations and protect Indonesia’s marine resources.
Beyond law enforcement, Susi championed policies that empowered local fishermen, ensuring they benefited more from Indonesia’s vast ocean wealth.
She promoted sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, and strict regulations on destructive fishing methods. Under her leadership, Indonesia gained global recognition for its commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
What makes Susi truly remarkable is her unconventional background. Unlike most high-ranking officials, she did not hold a formal university degree, yet she successfully built a seafood export business and an airline, Susi Air, before entering politics.
Her hands-on experience in the fisheries industry gave her a deep understanding of the sector’s challenges, making her a highly effective policymaker.
Her fearless, no-nonsense attitude, combined with her dedication to protecting Indonesia’s oceans, made her a beloved and respected leader. Even after leaving office, her legacy continues to inspire strong maritime policies and conservation efforts in Indonesia and beyond.
Written by Kamaruddin Azis
