Small-scale fishers in Southeast Maluku are becoming more tech-savvy. Through collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), the Southeast Maluku District Government, and CFI Indonesia, local fishers are now equipped with the latest digital technology in the form of E-Logbook Version 3. This breakthrough aims to make fisheries management more organized, efficient, and sustainable.

Deputy Regent of Southeast Maluku, Carlos Viali Rahantoknam, attended and officially opened the Training and Practice on Fish Catch Recording (E-Logbook for Capture Fisheries), supported through a GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant, at the Southeast Maluku Regent’s Office Hall, Langgur (September 1, 2025)

The training targets small-scale fishers operating in Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 718. In his remarks, Deputy Regent Rahantoknam reminded participants to put their new skills into practice rather than treating the event as mere formality.

“Don’t just come and get tired; put it into practice so everyone can enjoy the benefits,” he said.

Marine Digitalization: From Logbook to AI-Based E-Logbook

Through its GEF-6 project, CFI Indonesia provides financial and technical assistance to accelerate fisheries digitalization. According to Dr. Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, the latest version of the E-Logbook was designed to meet the need for more accurate and real-time fisheries data, particularly for fishers with vessels under 5 GT.

CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Adipati Rahmat, together with the Deputy Regent of Southeast Maluku, Carlos Viali Rahantoknam, Head of the Southeast Maluku Regency Fisheries Service, Ruslan A.G. Ingratubun, representative of the Directorate of PSDI-DJPT, Gunawan Dwi Nugroho, and representative of Tual PPN, Yance Warawarin, attended the opening of the Training and Practice on Fish Catch Recording (E-Logbook for Capture Fisheries), held at the Southeast Maluku Regent’s Office Hall in Langgur on (September 1, 2025)

“We plan to pilot E-Logbook Version 3 in WPPs 715, 717, and 718. This system forms a key foundation for implementing the Quota-Based Measured Fishing (PIT) policy,” explained Adipati.

The new application allows fishers to digitally record their catches—even simply by photographing their fish through the app.

Furthermore, Adipati emphasized that CFI Indonesia not only supports PIT conceptually, but also technically: from calculating catch quotas, strengthening fish stock protocols, to compiling data dashboards. E-Logbook Version 3 plays a crucial role in improving the fisheries data systems efficiency.

AI Assists the Recording, Government Makes the Decisions

Gunawan Dwi Nugroho from the PSDI Directorate highlighted that the new E-Logbook integrates AI technology to simplify catch reporting, accelerate data analysis, and strengthen evidence-based policymaking.

The Training and Practice on Fish Catch Recording (E-Logbook for Capture Fisheries) was held for three days, including field trials in Ohoi Dunwahan, Kei Kecil District, Southeast Maluku Regency (September 1–3, 2025)

Head of TKPU of Tual PPN, Yance Warawarin, underscored the importance of digital data for targeted marine resource management.

“In the past, small-scale fishers’ data were often overlooked. Now, with the E-Logbook, everything is recorded — and serves as the basis for local government decisions,” he said.

Using the E-Logbook not only helps fishers record their catch but also proves the legality of their fishing grounds. This is vital for fish traceability, which is verified through the Certificate of Legal Origin (COLO).

Tangible Impacts: Better Fish Quality, Empowered Women

Beyond technology and data, the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia program also empowers women fishers and improves fish handling quality. Previously, many fishers sold Grade C fish; now, after onboard handling training, they can sell Grade B fish.

Since 2022, local fishers have received support such as GPS devices, life jackets, and liquid-smoked fish processing tools. Their processed seafood products are now available in Gota Supermarket shelves, showcasing real progress in productivity.

Protecting the Sea, Securing the Future

Group photo of E-Logbook Training participants with the CFI Indonesia PMU, Deputy Regent of Southeast Maluku, Head of Southeast Maluku Regency Fisheries Service, representatives from MMAF’s PSDI–DJPT, and Tual PPN at the Southeast Maluku Regent’s Office Hall, Langgur (September 1, 2025) 

The CFI Indonesia program in Southeast Maluku will continue through 2025. In his closing message, Deputy Regent Rahantoknam reaffirmed the importance of sustaining the program, particularly to support local MSMEs and marine-based culinary tourism.

“We will continue to support MSMEs and CFI Indonesia’s mentored champions so they can thrive even after the program concludes next year,” he said.