Indonesia, a nation abundant in marine resources, is grappling with challenges in effectively implementing the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), an international treaty designed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Despite ratifying the agreement in 2016, the country, seven years later, has only four compliant fishing ports, raising concerns about the efficacy of efforts to tackle IUU fishing.
The PSMA grants port authorities the authority to inspect foreign fishing vessels, enabling them to deny entry or services to those engaged in IUU fishing. This international collaboration is pivotal in disrupting the supply chains of illegally caught fish, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and promoting sustainability within the fishing industry. Indonesia's struggle with PSMA implementation is rooted in various factors, acknowledged by the government itself. Operational challenges, including a shortage of trained personnel and inadequate port facilities, are cited as key hurdles. Currently, only four ports—Nizam Zachman in Jakarta, Bungus in Padang, Bitung in North Sulawesi, and Benoa in Bali—are compliant with the PSMA, primarily due to their accessibility for large foreign vessels.
Experts estimate that IUU fishing costs Indonesia approximately one million tonnes of fish annually, resulting in economic losses exceeding $3 billion. This not only impacts the livelihoods of local fishers but also poses a threat to marine biodiversity and food security. Complicating the situation further are allegations of forced labor and human trafficking within the fishing industry, particularly on foreign vessels operating in Indonesian waters. Ensuring the ethical treatment of crew members is a crucial component of the PSMA's objectives, adding complexity to the task of effectively implementing the agreement.
Despite these challenges, Indonesia is taking steps to address the issues at hand. The government is working to increase the number of compliant ports and is investing in training more personnel for inspections. Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance data collection and analysis to better monitor IUU fishing activities. International cooperation remains a vital component in the fight against IUU fishing. Indonesia is actively collaborating with other countries and regional organizations to share information, strengthen enforcement measures, and develop joint strategies.
The economic impact of IUU fishing in Indonesia is staggering, with an estimated one million tonnes of fish lost annually, resulting in over $3 billion in economic losses. Rokhmin Dahuri, former marine and fisheries minister and current government advisor, highlighted these figures in a meeting in September 2020, underlining the urgency of addressing the issue. While only four ports are currently compliant with the PSMA, three others—Marunda in Jakarta, Tanjung Perak in Surabaya, and Tanjung Wangi in Banyuwangi—are under consideration. However, a debate exists regarding the focus of PSMA implementation, with some arguing for a broader approach covering all 578 fishing ports in the country.
Sri Yanti, acting director of marine and fisheries affairs at the national development ministry, acknowledged the limitations in the development of fishing port infrastructure in eastern Indonesia, emphasizing the need for a balanced and inclusive strategy.
Zulficar Mochtar, CEO of Ocean Solutions Indonesia (OSI), stressed the importance of data sharing and comprehensive monitoring to address IUU fishing effectively. He pointed out that the PSMA, akin to border control, plays a vital role in checking vessels' purpose of visit, documents, travel tracking, and IUU fishing history.
Despite Indonesia's current challenges, stakeholders emphasize the importance of overcoming data limitations, implementing the PSMA protocols, and capacity building to optimize its effectiveness. Ensuring the well-being of ship crews, monitoring forced labor, and preventing human trafficking in PSMA-compliant ports are additional concerns that demand attention.
BOB Post
