The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), through the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, officially launched a scheme for observer service providers on fishing vessels and fish transport vessels. The event was held at the Kendari Ocean Fishing Port (OFP). The launch was marked by the issuance of an Appointment Letter to observer service providers by the Director of Fisheries Resource Management (PSDI), along with the dissemination of policies and the introduction of the observer reporting system via the e-Obor application (August 7, 2025).

Launch of Observer Service Providers on Fishing Vessels and Fish Transport Vessels, Kendari (August 7, 2025)

This initiative is a concrete step by the government to strengthen compliance with both regional and international regulations, particularly those set by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) such as IOTC, WCPFC, and CCSBT. Currently, observer placement coverage is still below 1%, far from the minimum 5% target set by RFMOs.

“Since 2023, we have been promoting a transformation in fisheries governance through the Measured Fishing (PIT) approach. However, challenges in financing and implementation remain significant. The launch of observer service providers is an effort to bridge that gap,” said PSDI Director, Dr. Syahril Abd Raup, in his remarks.

The new scheme is based on Circular Letter No. B.784/DJPT/HK.410/VII/2025 concerning monitoring through observer placement. Under this scheme, fishing companies can collaborate with observer service providers to fulfill their observer placement obligations, while administrative and assignment processes are handled digitally through the e-Obor application.

e-Obor Application: A Technological Innovation for Efficient Monitoring

The e-Obor development team also presented the latest features of the application, which now include assignment notifications, observer data validation, online reporting, and fish species recognition. Through this system, fishing companies can submit observer placement plans, while service providers and observers receive automatic notifications, including to harbor authorities.

PSDI Director Dr. Syahril Abd Raup delivering remarks at the Launch of Observer Service Providers on Fishing Vessels and Fish Transport Vessels, Kendari (7/8/2025)

Vessels without observers and that fail to complete monitoring data in e-Obor will not be issued a Sailing Approval Letter (SPB),” emphasized the PSDI Director.

The scheme also requires a minimum of 10–15 days of at-sea monitoring per vessel per year and highlights the importance of quality and accurate monitoring data to support sustainable fisheries policy-making.

Dr. Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of CFI Indonesia, added that since 2023 CFI Indonesia has supported the strengthening of on-board observers to improve recording of catch, fishing areas, fishing times, fishing gears and fishing aids, including transshipment activities from fishing vessels to other fishing vessels and/or authorized fish transport vessels. The support also covers observer capacity building and continuous improvement of the elogbook application.

Commitment and Collaboration for Sustainable Fisheries

This event was made possible through collaboration with GEF 6 CFI Indonesia and was attended by various stakeholders, including the Head of Fishing Port, representatives of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), fishing industry players, and international program partners. The Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Abdi Suhufan, also stressed the importance of collaboration between government, service providers, and industry players in creating a monitoring system that is transparent, accountable, and meets international standards.

Through this launch, MMAF aims to strengthen the national fisheries monitoring system, expand observer coverage, and improve the quality of fisheries resource data to achieve sustainable fisheries management with global competitiveness.