The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) together with the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP) of Maluku Province continues to strengthen fisheries governance through the Facilitation of under-5-GT Fishing Vessel Registration held in Western North Seram District, Central Maluku Regency. The event, conducted on November 20–21, 2025 at Labuan Village Hall, serves as a follow-up to Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 33/2021 concerning logbooks, vessel monitoring, inspections, and vessel marking. The program is fully supported by GEF-6 CFI Indonesia as part of the transition toward sustainable fisheries.

The Socialization on the Facilitation of under-5-GT Fishing Vessel Registration, supported through the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Program, was held in Labuan, Central Maluku. 20 November 2025

Government Commitment to Strengthening Fisheries Governance

A total of 65 participants from Labuan, Gale-Gale, and Pasanea Villages took part in the activity, which carries not only administrative value but also strategic importance for more modern and accountable fisheries resource management. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Head of Capture Fisheries Division of Maluku DKP, representatives from Class I KSOP (Harbormaster and Port Authority Office) of Ambon, Head of Marine and Fisheries Service Branch for Island Cluster III, village leaders, and fisher representatives. Their presence underscored the shared responsibility in ensuring vessel legalization to support a stronger regional marine sector.

In his remarks, Rusdi Makatita, Head of Capture Fisheries Division at Maluku DKP, emphasized vessel registration as a fundamental element of fisheries fleet legality. He highlighted that official documentation provides legal certainty, facilitates monitoring, and contributes to a more orderly and sustainable fisheries sector. He also expressed appreciation for the support of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia in enabling effective implementation and outreach to coastal communities.

Head of Capture Fisheries Division at Maluku DKP, Rusdi Makatita, delivered directives during the Socialization on Facilitating the Registration of Fishing Vessels Under 5 GT, held in Labuan, Central Maluku. 20 November 2025

Registration Achievement Exceeds Target

The enthusiasm of local fishers was clearly visible throughout the event. As a result, 84 vessels were successfully registered, consisting of 24 units from Labuan, 24 from Gale-Gale, and 36 from Pasanea—exceeding the initial target by 129 percent. Maluku DKP views this achievement as strong evidence that vessel legalization is now an urgent need among fishers seeking to obtain official documents in line with national regulations.

Marthen Haulussy, Head of Small-Scale Fishers Empowerment of the Central Maluku Fisheries Office, stated that the facilitation greatly assists fishers who previously faced geographical challenges in processing vessel documentation. Representatives from KSOP Class I Ambon, Neville Pattikawa and Djon Edgar Lilimwelat, further emphasized the importance of registering vessels under 7 GT to ensure comprehensive and integrated fisheries fleet data.

The Socialization on the Facilitation of under-5-GT Fishing Vessel Registration was attended by the Head of Small-Scale Fisher Empowerment of Central Maluku Fisheries Office, the Head of Marine and Fisheries Service Branch for Island Cluster III, representatives from Class I KSOP of Ambon, and the Leader of Labuan Village. The event was held in Labuan, Central Maluku. 20 November 2025

Fisher Response and Impact on Fisheries Governance

Local fishers have welcomed the initiative positively. Usman, Head of the Gale-Gale Fisher Group, stated that many vessels remain unregistered and require government support. He emphasized that the presence of MMAF, Maluku Provincial Fisheries Office, and GEF-6 CFI Indonesia has greatly assisted coastal communities in accessing vessel licensing services that were previously difficult to reach.

Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, highlighted that the legalization of small-scale vessels is an integral part of transforming fisheries governance towards a more modern, data-driven system. To date, GEF-6 has supported more than 5,300 fishers in obtaining vessel documents such as the Small Pass and E-BPK, along with fleet registration and marking activities. These efforts reinforce the implementation of the MMAF’s quota-based Measurable Fishing (PIT) program.

The implementation of under-5-GT Fishing Vessel Measurement in Labuan, Gale-Gale, and Pasanea Villages. 20-21 November 2025

Towards More Orderly and Sustainable Fisheries Management

The vessel registration initiative in Western North Seram not only provides legal certainty for fishers but also represents a significant step in strengthening fisheries governance in Maluku Province. With more small vessels achieving formal legality, fisheries resource management is expected to become more orderly, transparent, and sustainable—delivering direct benefits to coastal livelihoods.