The Indonesian government, represented by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), presented its priority blue economy programs at the 36th session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) held in Rome from 8-12 July 2024. Led by Acting Expert Staff to the Minister for Community and Institutional Relations Trian Yunanda, Indonesia actively participated in the session, delivering a national statement during the plenary. Trian highlighted Indonesia's blue economy initiatives, focusing on sustainable fisheries management through measured fish catches and initiatives like the "month of ocean love" to combat marine debris. Indonesia also committed to providing data for FAO's 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) questionnaire to support sustainable fisheries practices, urging timely completion by member countries. Discussions during the session also addressed non-tariff measures, tariff liberalization based on fair trade principles, and enhancing the competitiveness of developing countries. Indonesia advocated for FAO's revision of Eco-labelling Certification for Small Scale Fisheries and national efforts for aquatic product traceability through the STELINA program.
Furthermore, Indonesia presented its support for increasing market access for small-scale fishermen through FAO's eco-labeling guidelines, promoting mariculture programs, and implementing the Bali Strategy under the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). In addition to these initiatives, Indonesia highlighted the village-based cultivation programs focusing on flagship commodities to support sustainable aquaculture and food security efforts nationally. On the oversight front, Indonesia introduced the Regional Plan of Action against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (RPOA-IUUF), strategies to combat IUUF, and the development of an Ocean Big Data System integrating technology for sustainable fisheries management. During bilateral meetings, Indonesian delegates engaged with the World Trade Organization's Deputy Director General on fisheries subsidy negotiations, advocating for a proportional approach in subsidy determination given Indonesia's status as the world's second-largest coastline country. Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono's previous attendance at COFI 2023 underscored Indonesia's commitment to implementing blue economy programs, emphasizing their significant contribution to global food security. Indonesia, with its rich marine biodiversity as an archipelagic nation, aims to make substantial contributions to global protein supplies.
Source: https://www.industry.co.id/read/134519/kkp-bawa-program-ekonomi-biru-pada-sidang-cofi-ke-36
