If you were to summarize your main achievements up to now as Minister of Fisheries, which would you care to highlight?

In the last 2 and ½ years I would like to mention that we managed to increase the GDP of Fisheries to an average of 7.5 %.

Another major achievement is combating illegal fishing through tough policies introduced by the ministry to make sure the constitution of this country concerning the fisheries sector is being applied. Before starting the clean-up, we informed all foreign ambassadors in the region to inform their governments that Indonesia would evaluate all foreign vessels fishing in its waters. Following these inspections, we have so far destroyed more than 300 illegal vessels and 200 are still waiting to be destroyed. Our main goal was to put an end to the practices that were depleting our waters.

The President has emphasized that the national future of Indonesia is in its oceans and we simply apply policies to make a sustainable livelihood from the oceans. The census has shown that during this decade Indonesia lost over 50% of its fishing households, around 115 seafood exporters, and Indonesia’s stunted growth index increased to 37%, mainly due to lack of protein in people’s diet. When studying these statistics, I discussed with our President that it is impossible to improve the numbers if we cannot apply the constitution. So, extreme measures had to be taken.

What has been the response to these tough measures?

Now after seeing our success, others are also considering our approach – China, Thailand and Vietnam are the countries imposing the moratorium because they have seen that combating illegal fishing is a lucrative business. Moreover, we noticed a decrease in national fuel consumption by 37%.

It also means less ships at sea; better for the environment and for fish stocks. We have proven that sustainability measures and processes applied to combat exploitation of natural resources only means profit and more productivity.

That is also why you are building a lot of Integrated Maritime Affairs & Fisheries Centres (SKBT)?

Yes we would like to create more opportunities and improve fisheries infrastructure all over Indonesia. Every year we develop 5-10 outer islands and we are now working together with Japan to develop 6 outer islands to be centres of fisheries with direct access to the Japanese market.  We are also collaborating with Japan to build ports and support community development having also implemented coastal radars.

Please highlight which areas from the fisheries sector are interesting for foreign investment

We welcome foreigners to invest 100% in the processing business of the fisheries sector like processing factories, cold chains, aqua cultures etc. For fishing we don’t need foreign investment, we have enough people to fish we are not an under populated country.

On a larger scale, Indonesia also wants to take a greater role internationally as a maritime power. What can you tell us about this?

We are already number 3 in South East Asia in terms of fish exports and number 1 for seafood exports. I think by taking back control of our fish resources, trade will come to us due to sheer volume. But first we have to have sovereignty over our waters. If we cannot control stealing then we cannot control our own resources. It is my opinion, that If you cannot control what you have you cannot become the leader.

You have managed that more or less now, so what is the next step in this process?

Sustainability is still our biggest task and protecting ourselves from primitive methods like the use of dynamite, cyanide and other destructive practices for fishing. We want to become a global player so we hope that our sustainable practices will be welcomed in Europe & other developed markets. Traceability, accountability and responsible fishing are in high demand, so due to our compliance I hope the markets will be open for Indonesia.

As a last question, how do you describe your vision for your ministry in the future?

We are aligned with the President’s vision to keep the oceans flourishing for people’s livelihood. We also encourage trade to become a new centre of gravity in the maritime economy.

I believe that with enough discipline in applying our policies, we can continue to flourish. However, if these policies and good practices are abandoned, then we will fail to achieve our goal. We must not play with our future because food security is state security and Indonesia’s future lies in its oceans.