cfi-indonesia.id.  The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) appreciates the collaboration in sustainable fisheries management established with the WWF GEF Agency, particularly in implementing the Measured Fishing Policy (PIT). This was conveyed by Lotharia Latif, Director General of Capture Fisheries at KKP, during the 2024 Annual Reflection Meeting (ARM) and the preparation of the 2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) for the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant program, titled “The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management in Eastern Indonesia Fisheries Management Area 715, 717 & 718 – Components A, B, and D.

Lotharia emphasized that the direction of this program aligns with the Blue Economy concept as a priority program of KKP, specifically, the Measured Fishing (PIT) program. PIT aims to manage fishery resources sustainably by limiting the number of fish caught, preserving marine ecosystems, and improving the welfare of fishing communities.

According to him, the activities carried out through CFI Indonesia are highly important and strategic because they provide added value that is directly felt by the community. “This initiative is excellent as it empowers the community, enhances the quality of life, and improves the well-being of our fishermen. Moreover, this program is in line with President Prabowo's policies,” said Latif while opening the ARM 2024 event and the Preparation of AWPB 2025 GEF 6 CFI Indonesia on Thursday (12/12).

He hopes that CFI Indonesia will continue to support the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ policies in the preparation of AWPB 2025 and to align with President Prabowo’s policies, both in terms of empowering fishermen and promoting nutritional improvement through fish consumption.

Ridwan Mulyana, the Director of PSDI and the NPC of CFI Indonesia, stated that throughout 2024, CFI Indonesia has facilitated the implementation of 88 activities with a total value of 27 billion rupiahs. "From a national policy perspective, we have facilitated the review of national policies related to the Fisheries Management Plan for WPP 715 and 717, as well as proposed the allocation of revenue-sharing funds sourced from the PNBP of fisheries sector. This proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance. In terms of strengthening fish stock quota data, we have facilitated the data collection of pelagic fish, demersal fish, reef fish, mangrove crabs, whale sharks, and leatherback turtles through collaboration with BRIN and universities in Eastern Indonesia. The collected data has been affirmed by KOMNASKAJISKAN and integrated with the PUSDATIN information system," explained Ridwan while reporting CFI Indonesia’s achievements.

He further added that CFI Indonesia has also facilitated KKP’s various other activities which are related to personnel capacity building. In this regard, CFI Indonesia has provided support for a total of 200 individuals, including data processors, observers, fisheries revenue data collectors, harbor masters, fisheries inspectors, and EAFM training for planners. Additionally, for small-scale fishers, CFI Indonesia has facilitated 50 VMS units to support PIT Modeling and improve fishers’ skills, issued EBKP certificates, established Vessel Feasibility Service Centers, and provided BST training for fishers' children. "The total number of beneficiaries in 2024 reached 940 small-scale fishers," Ridwan concluded.

Muhammad Abdi Suhufan, S.T., Expert Staff to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KP) for Fishermen and Fishing Crew Empowerment, expressed his appreciation for CFI Indonesia’s contribution to the Blue Economy program. He encouraged the sustainability of the project by emphasizing the importance of reflecting on CFI Indonesia’s best practices. "I hope this project continues, not just in terms of funding but also in terms of its concept, particularly in adopting the best practices from the CFI Indonesia project."

Regarding project replication and sustainability, CFI Indonesia has prepared several exit strategies, one of which is strengthening the role of the Champions. Adipati Rahmat, as the Project Manager, emphasized that this year, the role of Champions will be enhanced to become an integral part of CFI Indonesia in disseminating the program and reflecting best practices to other regions and communities.

At the same event, the Champions also presented the results of their real work. The results showed significant improvement, with average sales in 2024 exceeding 10 million rupiah. The highest recorded sales, amounting to 23 million rupiah, were obtained by Watkidat Village group from Southeast Maluku Regency. Additionally, the Mahina Laha group played a role in the success of Desa Laha, Ambon City, and in winning the third place nationally in the Developing Village category at the Indonesian Tourism Village Awards, thanks to their contribution to batik ecoprint production. 'We plan to collaborate with the Government and the Management of Negeri Laha Tourism Village to develop ecoprint tourism packages, conduct digital promotion and sales, and plant raw material seedlings for ecoprint,' said Shinta, one of CFI Indonesia’s Champions, while presenting her group’s results.

The number of participants who attended the three-day annual meeting (December 10-13, 2024) reached more than 70 people, including representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Provincial and District DKPs, the Nusantara Fisheries Ports, universities, BRIN, as well as representatives of coastal communities and groups (champions) fostered by CFI Indonesia in pilot villages in the six cities and districts.