The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), through the Directorate of Fishery Resources Management (PSDI), organized the drafting of the Crab Fishery Management Plan (RPP) and the Harvest Strategy for Scad Fishery in WPPNRI 715 on March 12–14, 2025, in Jakarta.

The drafting aimed to develop a more effective, science-based fishery management strategy to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in WPPNRI 715. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including government representatives, academics, and partner organizations. The RPP and Harvest Strategy drafting also received support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 6 CFI Indonesia and featured speakers from ISPIKANI, WWF Indonesia, Data Division of DJPT, Directorate of P4K, Directorate of PDSPKP, EDF Indonesia, and BRIN.

The drafting of this FMP is a strategic step in designing the Measured Fishing (PIT) policy with the end product being the stipulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree (Kepmen). With a strong legal foundation, this RPP is expected to serve as a primary reference for the government, businesses, and fishers in managing crabs and scad more sustainably and measurably.

In his remarks, the Director of Fishery Resources Management, Ridwan Mulyana, emphasized that the RPP and Harvest Strategy are essential instruments for sustainable fisheries management.

"In 2023, crab production across all WPPNRI reached 90,819 tons, with WPPNRI 715 being one of the overfished areas. Therefore, this RPP document must be based on credible data and usable by all stakeholders," Ridwan stated.

During the technical discussion session, the speakers addressed various challenges in managing crab and scad fisheries in WPPNRI 715. Fery Sutyawan, Head of the LTPK Working Team and leader of this discussion, explained that effective fishery management requires strong data and measurable utilization strategies.

"One of the biggest challenges in managing crabs and scad is ensuring that utilization strategies are based on accurate data and consider ecosystem sustainability. Therefore, a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism is required to ensure that the policy effectively controls resource utilization," Fery explained.

The discussion also reinforced the importance of an ecosystem-based approach in managing fish resources, as conveyed by EDF Indonesia, the Directorate of P4K, and BRIN through their assessments of scad and crab stocks in WPPNRI 715. It is hoped that through a stronger scientific approach, overexploitation can be prevented and the use of fishery resources remains sustainable.

As one of the supporters of this activity, Adipati Rahmat Gumelar, Project Manager of GEF 6 CFI Indonesia, emphasized that policy development must be inclusive and transparent, involving all relevant parties.

"This RPP must be developed through a participatory approach, involving fishers, local governments, and partner organizations. A good policy is one that can be implemented in the field and benefits all stakeholders," he stated.

"Fisheries policy is not only about preserving fish stocks, but also ensuring that fishers and coastal communities receive fair benefits. A rights-based and socially just approach must be part of the strategy so that no party is disadvantaged in its implementation," explained Faridatun.

As a follow-up, the Crab RPP and Scad Harvest Strategy in WPPNRI 715 will be finalized before being ratified in the form of a Ministerial Decree (Kepmen). This legal status will provide legal certainty for policy implementation and clarify the duties and roles of various stakeholders in managing fishery resources.

With the ratification of the RPP into a Ministerial Regulation, the policy is expected to be implemented more effectively at both national and regional levels, and to have a positive impact on the sustainability of fishery resources and the welfare of fishers in Indonesia.