PELAKITA.ID – The Directorate General of Capture Fisheries (DJPT) officially launched the scheme for onboard observer service providers for fishing vessels and fish carriers at PPS Kendari on August 7.
The launch was marked by the handover of appointment letters to observer service providers by the Director of Fisheries Resources Management (PSDI), along with a policy dissemination session and the introduction of the e-Obor application-based observer reporting system.
This initiative represents the government’s concrete effort to improve compliance with the requirements of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) such as the IOTC, WCPFC, and CCSBT. While the minimum target for observer placement is 5%, the current figure remains below 1%.
In his remarks, PSDI Director Syahril Abd. Raup highlighted that since 2023, DJPT has been driving the transformation of fisheries governance through the Measured Fishing (Penangkapan Ikan Terukur/PIT) approach. However, funding and implementation challenges in the field remain shared tasks. The observer service provider scheme is expected to serve as a bridge to strengthen the implementation of this policy.
Through Circular Letter No. B.784/DJPT/HK.410/VII/2025, business actors are now able to collaborate with observer service providers to meet observer requirements. All administrative and assignment processes are conducted digitally via e-Obor.
The e-Obor application is now equipped with features such as assignment notifications, data validation, online reporting, and fish species identification. Vessels without an observer and without data uploaded to e-Obor will not be granted a Sailing Permit (SPB).
The scheme also establishes a minimum monitoring period of 10–15 days per vessel per year, with an emphasis on data quality and accuracy as the foundation for sustainable fisheries policies.
This initiative is the result of collaboration with GEF6 CFI Indonesia and was attended by various stakeholders, including heads of fishing ports, representatives of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), industry representatives, and international program partners.
The Minister’s Expert Staff, Abdi Suhufan, also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, service providers, and business actors in building a monitoring system that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with international standards.
With this launch, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) hopes to strengthen the national fisheries monitoring system, expand observer coverage, and improve the quality of fisheries resource data as part of achieving sustainable and globally competitive fisheries management.
Source: MMAF Indonesia