The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), through the Directorate of Coastal and Small Islands (P3K), together with GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, held a meeting of the Inventory Team for Marine and Fisheries Natural Resources (SDA) for Ohoi Ohoirenan Customary Law Community (MHA). The event took place at the Southeast Maluku Fisheries Service’s office.

Meeting between the Southeast Maluku Regency Regional Government Work Unit (SKPD) and the Marine and Fisheries Natural Resource Potential Inventory Team for Ohoi Ohoirenan MHA, held in Langgur on August 26–27, 2025

This cross-sector meeting involved several agencies, including the Fisheries Service, Regional Development Planning and Research Agency, Tourism and Culture Office, Cooperatives and MSMEs Service, the Legal Division of the Regional Secretariat, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Branch Office of Island Cluster 8, as well as the Site Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia for FMA 718.

Focus on MHA Protection and Regulatory Strengthening

The Secretary of the Fisheries Office, John H. Ingratubun, who officially opened the event, emphasized the importance of regulations to support the recognition and protection of MHA.

“We welcome the involvement of the ministry and development partners. However, it is crucial to immediately prepare a Regent Regulation as an initial legal framework that can accelerate the adoption of a Regional Regulation for MHA protection,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation for the support of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, WWF GEF Agency, and MMAF, who have actively contributed to various initiatives in Southeast Maluku.

Inventory Goals: Identify Potential, Boost Local Economy

The Head of the MHA Team from MMAF’s Directorate of P4K, Indah Setya Murtihari, explained that this activity aims to identify the economic and social potential of the Ohoi Ohoirenan indigenous community, particularly in relation to traditional management of coastal and marine resources.

Socio-Economic (SOSEK) Expert Nurul Auliyah added that the inventory will explore existing enterprises, the production value of local commodities from Sasi, and the utilization of products by the indigenous community.

“This activity is a pilot project. We hope that it can become a model for economic improvement based on local wisdom and the social characteristics of MHA,” said Nurul. She also encouraged active participation from local agencies in validating and optimizing the data.

Accelerating the Establishment of MHA Regulations

Jones Rahanjaan, Site Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia FMA 718, emphasized that this activity is part of a grant collaboration between MMAF and WWF GEF Agency.

“We hope that all parties take this matter seriously and support the acceleration of the Regent Regulation for MHA Ohoirenan. This is an important first step in strengthening community-based marine governance,” he stated.

GEF-6 CFI Indonesia has consistently supported the recognition and empowerment of indigenous communities in eastern Indonesia, including in Southeast Maluku, through community-based conservation approaches.

Towards Community-Based and Sustainable Marine Management

This inventory is an important step towards creating inclusive, fair, and sustainable marine governance. With legal recognition and the active involvement of indigenous communities, marine resource management can be directed toward long-term prosperity and sustainability.