Her legacy continues to inspire efforts in sustainable ocean management worldwide.
PELAKITA.ID – Susi Pudjiastuti is a bold leader in maritime affairs, known for her strong policies and commitment to protecting Indonesia’s marine resources.
Susi Pudjiastuti is an Indonesian entrepreneur and former Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (2014–2019).
As Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (2014–2019), she took a firm stance against illegal fishing, making her a global maritime icon.
Her most famous policy was seizing and destroying illegal foreign fishing vessels, significantly reducing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Indonesian waters.
She empowered local fishermen, ensuring they benefited from Indonesia’s marine wealth while improving fish stocks and boosting small-scale fishers’ incomes.
Susi also championed sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation, helping to protect coral reefs and biodiversity across Indonesia’s vast ocean territory.
Despite lacking a formal degree, her experience in aviation and seafood exports gave her deep insight into the fisheries industry.
Her fearless, no-nonsense approach made her both respected and controversial, but she remained steadfast in defending Indonesia’s waters.
Susi’s legacy continues to shape Indonesia’s maritime policies, inspiring strong action against illegal fishing and promoting sustainable ocean management worldwide.
From Pangandaran
She was born on January 15, 1965, in Pangandaran, West Java, she grew up in a coastal town where she developed a deep connection to the sea.
Unlike most politicians, Susi did not have a formal university education. She dropped out of high school to start her own business, showing an early entrepreneurial spirit.
She began her career by trading fish and lobster, eventually expanding into a successful seafood export business, PT ASI Pudjiastuti Marine Product. Her company became a major supplier of high-quality seafood to international markets.
Realizing the need for better transportation to deliver fresh seafood, she founded Susi Air, an airline company that started with small planes to transport fish but later expanded to serve remote areas across Indonesia.
Her success in business, combined with her hands-on knowledge of the fishing industry, made her an ideal candidate to lead Indonesia’s maritime sector.
In 2014, President Joko Widodo appointed her as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
She quickly became famous for her tough stance against illegal fishing, leading efforts to seize and sink illegal foreign fishing vessels. Her policies significantly improved Indonesia’s fish stocks, empowered local fishermen, and promoted marine conservation.
Despite her unconventional background, Susi Pudjiastuti’s determination, innovative thinking, and fearless leadership made her one of Indonesia’s most influential figures in maritime affairs.
Her legacy continues to inspire efforts in sustainable ocean management worldwide.
Written by Kamaruddin Azis
