DistantNews
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

North Sulawesi: Strong Fisheries Industry Drives Sustainable Regional Economic Growth

From Republika · (8m ago) Indonesian Positive tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Head of North Sulawesi's Marine and Fisheries Agency emphasizes that a strong fisheries industry drives sustainable regional economic growth.
  • He highlights worker welfare as crucial for industry strength and advocates for equitable systems that benefit workers, not just production or export value.
  • The agency seeks revised fishing zone regulations to better accommodate fishermen's operational patterns and seasonal movements, balancing sustainability with practical needs.

North Sulawesi's commitment to a robust and sustainable economy is intrinsically linked to the health of its marine and fisheries sector. Salman Mokoginta, the Head of the Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), articulated a clear vision: a thriving industry is the bedrock of enduring regional economic growth. This perspective, shared widely within the province, emphasizes that the prosperity of the sector is not merely about catch volumes or export figures, but fundamentally about the well-being of the people who depend on it.

Jika pekerja sejahtera maka industri akan kuat. Jika industri kuat maka ekonomi daerah akan tumbuh berkelanjutan

— Salman MokogintaStating the direct link between worker welfare, industry strength, and sustainable regional economic growth.

Mokoginta's assertion that "If the workers are prosperous, the industry will be strong. If the industry is strong, the regional economy will grow sustainably" resonates deeply. It reflects a local understanding that economic development must be inclusive and equitable. Unlike some international narratives that might prioritize raw economic output, the DKP's focus is on ensuring that the benefits of the fisheries industry are shared fairly among its workers, fostering a sense of security and stability.

A significant challenge highlighted is the current regulation of fishing zones, particularly within the WPPNRI (Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia) 715, 716, and 717. Mokoginta pointed out the complexities arising from these areas falling under different zoning regulations (Zone 2 vs. Zone 3). This administrative division creates practical hurdles for fishermen whose operations, dictated by seasonal fish migration patterns, often cross these arbitrary boundaries. The agency's plea for more adaptive policies acknowledges the real-world conditions faced by local fishermen.

Meskipun Sulawesi Utara memiliki ketiga wilayah WPP tersebut, namun secara zonasi berada di dua zonasi yang berbeda

— Salman MokogintaExplaining the regulatory challenge posed by different zoning for fishing areas.

From North Sulawesi's perspective, the DKP's call for policy review is not just a bureaucratic request; it's a matter of livelihood and sustainable resource management. The agency's advocacy for policies that are "more adaptive based on real conditions in the field" aims to prevent undue harm to fishermen while upholding the crucial principle of resource sustainability. This nuanced approach, prioritizing local realities alongside national regulations, is key to ensuring the long-term health of both the economy and the marine ecosystem.

Kami berharap kebijakan yang lebih adaptif dapat dirumuskan berdasarkan kondisi riil di lapangan, sehingga tidak merugikan nelayan namun tetap menjaga prinsip keberlanjutan sumber daya perikanan

— Salman MokogintaHoping for adaptive policies that consider field realities without harming fishermen or compromising sustainability.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog