GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, in collaboration with the Professional Certification Institute for Conservation and Marine Services (LSP KJL), continues its commitment to strengthening human resource capacity in the fisheries sector through the third stage of developing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) certification scheme.

The event was held in a hybrid format—on-site at Swiss-Belhotel Bogor and online via Zoom Meeting—and brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, fisheries associations, academics, and development partners. Their cross-sector participation reflects the enormous level of support for creating nationally recognized competency standards relevant to the needs of sustainable fisheries management in Indonesia.

Workshop on Certification Schemes and Competency Test Materials for Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) conducted in a hybrid format at Swiss-BelHotel, Bogor (September 26, 2025)

Focus of the Third Stage: Developing the Certification Scheme

This third stage focused on developing the certification scheme and competency assessment tools for three key EAFM occupations: (i) Planner (Code: SKM-160-014); Implementer (Code: SKM-160-015); (iii) Evaluator (Code: SKM-160-016).

LSP KJL presented 26 competency assessment forms, including APL 01, APL 02, MAPA 01, MAPA 02, and structured instruction documents (IA-04A and IA-04B).To support their implementation, the assessment tools were designed in two formats—detailed and simplified—to match the characteristics of different test participants.

Each occupation will be supported by five core documents: direct methods, indirect methods, skills questions, oral question lists (DPL), and structured instructions. The competency assessments are expected to take approximately 2.5 hours, including interview and presentation sessions.

Licensing Process and Future Outlook

Beyond refining assessment instruments, the forum also discussed the licensing process for submitting the certification scheme licenses to the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). Once the scheme receives a “green” status in the BNSP system, the LSP will be authorized to apply for witness evaluations, conduct independent competency assessments, and issue official certificate templates. Currently, the proposed scheme is under licensing review and will be followed by an application for expanded scope.

In his closing remarks, the Director of LSP expressed his appreciation to all parties involved, both who attended in-person and online. He also extended special thanks to academics, fisheries associations, and development partners for their active contributions and conveyed his gratitude for the financial support provided by GEF-6 CFI Indonesia. He hoped that the ten certification schemes currently in progress can immediately obtain PRL decrees so that they can be applied more widely.

Participants attending the Workshop on Certification Schemes and Competency Test Materials for Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) onsite at Swiss-BelHotel, Bogor (September 26, 2025)

The Importance of EAFM Certification for SKKNI

This third stage of certification scheme development not only produced competency assessment instruments but also marked a strategic step toward establishing the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) for EAFM. The EAFM certification is expected to serve as an nationally recognized official benchmark, thereby improving the quality of human resources, enhancing the professionalism of the fisheries workforce, and addressing practical needs in the field.

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project—to enhance fisheries governance through an ecosystem-based management approach. With the establishment of the SKKNI for EAFM, the processes of planning, implementing, and evaluating fisheries management are expected to become more measurable, consistent, and sustainable.

A Strategic Step Toward Sustainable Fisheries

The EAFM certification is envisioned not merely as a formal requirement but as a practical instrument that will strengthen the implementation of sustainable fisheries principles in Indonesia. Through strong cross-sector collaboration, GEF-6 CFI Indonesia and LSP KJL are confident that this certification scheme will have a meaningful impact—both in enhancing human resource capacity and contributing to Indonesia’s efforts toward achieving global sustainable development goals.