- Minister Trenggono did not merely talk about policy—he spoke about a new paradigm for managing Indonesia’s oceans: scientific, collaborative, and ecologically just.
- He urged NGOs to help explain the importance of these policies to fishing communities so that real-time monitoring systems can function effectively and gain broad acceptance.
- He also called on NGOs to strengthen national data systems, fish stock research, and the development of ocean big data. Every field program, he emphasized, must be based on scientific evidence rather than assumptions or short-term political pressures.
PELAKITA.ID – During a meeting with Marine and Fisheries NGOs in Bali, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono delivered a firm yet hopeful message. His speech went beyond policy—it was a call for a new paradigm in ocean governance: one that is scientific, collaborative, and grounded in ecological justice.
Below are thirteen key points summarized by Pelakita.ID, reflecting Minister Trenggono’s appeals, expectations, and calls to action for marine and fisheries NGOs across Indonesia.
1. Building a Global and Scientific Perspective in NGO Advocacy
Minister Trenggono reminded NGOs that their advocacy should go beyond local issues such as small-scale fisher empowerment. The world is changing rapidly—population growth, rising protein demand, and increasing environmental pressure demand new approaches.
NGOs are thus expected to bridge local realities with global shifts so national fisheries policy aligns with science and future challenges.
2. Becoming Critical yet Constructive Partners of Government
“When government policy is right, we should all support it,” he stated. He emphasized that NGO energy should strengthen conservation- and sustainability-oriented policies rather than widen the gap between the state and society. The real adversary, he said, is not fellow citizens, but the threats to the ocean and natural resources.
3. Supporting Fisheries Monitoring and Digitalization Policies
Trenggono highlighted the weak support for the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and e-logbooks—tools that are crucial for transparency. Many surveillance policies face resistance due to misunderstanding.
He called on NGOs to actively educate fishing communities about these systems so real-time monitoring can run effectively and be widely accepted.
4. Promoting Data Validation and Science-Based Policy
“Claims about stock availability are meaningless without accurate data,” he said. Trenggono urged NGOs to strengthen national data systems, fish stock research, and ocean big data development. Every program, he stressed, should be rooted in scientific evidence, not assumptions or political pressure.
5. Strengthening Solution-Based Marine Conservation Advocacy
“I urge all NGOs to support sound conservation policies—not just criticize without offering solutions,” Trenggono said.
He underlined the need to ensure that 30% of Indonesia’s marine area is genuinely protected. NGOs are expected to take part in field monitoring, habitat restoration—such as sea turtle recovery in Cenderawasih Bay—and preventing overexploitation.
6. Collaboration for Sustainable Aquaculture Development
Aquaculture, Trenggono stressed, must not become a new source of pressure on marine ecosystems.
“One kilogram of farmed shrimp must not destroy hundreds of kilograms of wild fish,” he warned. He encouraged NGOs to support plant-based feed research, assist fish farmers, and uphold ecosystem-friendly aquaculture practices.
7. Public Education on Fishing Gear and Ethical Practices
Trenggono highlighted the vital role of NGOs in raising awareness that destructive fishing gear must be abandoned.
Selective methods such as handline fishing should be promoted to sustain marine resources and open opportunities for eco-certification, strengthening Indonesia’s global market position.
8. Safeguarding Food Safety and Marine Product Quality
Issues such as cesium-137 contamination in shrimp serve as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and certification.
NGOs are urged to help ensure the safety and quality of Indonesia’s seafood so its reputation and exports remain resilient amid negative global scrutiny.
9. Advocacy Against Marine Mining and Pollution
“Mining waste should be disposed of at depths of at least 200 meters,” he asserted.
He called for stronger NGO roles in monitoring marine mining and tailings disposal. NGOs should serve as independent watchdogs preventing ecological damage and championing environmental justice.
10. Joint Action Against Marine Plastic Pollution
Indonesia remains the world’s second-largest marine plastic polluter. Trenggono invited NGOs to engage in education, campaigns, and monitoring, including in seaweed farming areas that often use plastic buoys.
The Ministry’s incentive policy for fishers collecting plastic waste could become a concrete arena for NGO-government collaboration.
11. Law Enforcement Against Illegal Trade (Lobster Seed and IUU Fishing)
Over 500 million lobster seeds are smuggled abroad every year. Trenggono called on NGOs to help enforce laws against illegal lobster seed trade and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
NGOs can support the implementation of a forthcoming Presidential Regulation designed to eradicate such crimes.
12. Building Collaborative Models of Fisher Empowerment
Trenggono cited the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih in Biak as an example of an integrated empowerment model based on aquaculture and local economy.
He invited NGOs to serve as partners in expanding similar models nationwide, enhancing inclusivity and coastal community resilience.
13. Ensuring Transparency and National Data Governance
With the launch of E-Logbook Version 3, the Ministry has opened a new era of real-time fisheries data governance.
Trenggono hopes NGOs will become part of this system to ensure that fisheries policies remain transparent, fair, and sustainable—for the sake of Indonesia’s ocean future.
Minister Trenggono’s speech in Bali was not a bureaucratic directive but a moral call—to rebuild the bond between government, people, and the sea.
In an age of global ecological crisis, collaboration with NGOs is the key to preserving the ocean as a source of life, not a field of exploitation.
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Nusa Dua, September 6, 2025
By K. Azis – Founder of Pelakita.ID