Efforts to safeguard marine resources in Southwest Papua were strengthened through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), the Provincial Government of Southwest Papua through the Office of Agriculture, Food, Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and the Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic (Poltek KP). From 6–8 November 2025, the three institutions hosted a training program titled “Capacity Building for Small-Scale Fisheries Management” for the Community Supervisory Group (Pokmaswas). The initiative is part of the GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia grant program, which promotes ecosystem-based fisheries management, particularly in eastern Indonesia.

The Capacity-Building Workshop on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas was attended by the Director of the WWF US GEF Agency, the Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, the Papua Regional Police Forensics Laboratory (Puslabfor), representatives of PSDKP–MMAF, the Director of Sorong Poltek KP, the Head of the Provincial Office of Agriculture, Food, Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Southwest Papua, as well as Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia. Sorong, 6 November 2025

The three-day training brought together 50 participants, including Pokmaswas members, district/municipal fisheries officials, and cadets from Poltek KP of Sorong. Participants received training on marine resource monitoring, community roles in preventing destructive fishing practices, and the application of modern technology for reporting systems. Speakers represented government agencies, international organizations, law enforcement bodies, and NGOs, including WWF US GEF Agency Director Heike Lingertat, GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager Adipati Rahmat, representatives of Supervision of Marine and Fisheries Resources (PSDKP), and Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia.

Protecting the Ocean for Future Generations

The event was officially opened by Absalom Solosa, Head of the Office of Agriculture, Food, Marine Affairs, and Fisheries of Southwest Papua. He emphasized that sustainable fisheries management is vital not only to protect current ecosystems but also to secure a productive ocean for future generations. Solosa noted that destructive fishing practices persist in some coastal areas, making community involvement essential.

Head of the Provincial Office of Agriculture, Food, Marine, and Fisheries of Southwest Papua, Absalom Solosa, delivered a keynote address and officially opened the Capacity Building Program on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas. Sorong, 6 November 2025

“Do not take everything today; leave it so that in 5–10 years, our children can still enjoy the harvest,” he said, reminding participants of the importance of sustainable management. Southwest Papua is known for its world-class marine biodiversity, which remains at risk if destructive practices continue.

Education as a Foundation for Conservation

Daniel Heintje Ndahawali, Director of Sorong Poltek KP, highlighted the crucial role of early education and capacity development for the next generation. Cadets who will become fishing vessel captains, engineering officers, extension workers, or enforcement officers must fully understand sustainability principles. He stressed that the Pokmaswas training is not merely a routine program, but part of a wider campaign to maintain ocean health, prevent destructive practices, and protect the mega biodiversity of Southwest Papua.

Daniel Heintje Ndahawali, Director of the Sorong Marine and Fisheries Polytechnic, delivered the welcoming remarks at the Capacity Building Program on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas. Sorong, 6 November 2025

Global Collaboration Supporting the Blue Economy

Heike Lingertat, Director of the WWF US GEF Agency, highlighted the focus of the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia program, including the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and support for Indonesia’s national blue economy agenda. She emphasized the threat of biodiversity loss caused by unsustainable fisheries management. The program includes regulatory assistance, capacity building for government officers and Pokmaswas, and mitigation of destructive fishing practices to ensure ecologically safe levels of fish harvest.

Director of WWF US GEF Agency, Heike Lingertat, delivering remarks at the Capacity Building Program on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas. Sorong, 6 November 2025

Pokmaswas: Eyes and Ears on the Ground

Rahmatia, representing PSDKP, underscored the strategic role of Pokmaswas in community-based surveillance. Many coastal activities that threaten marine ecosystems cannot be fully monitored by authorities, making Pokmaswas the frontline force in the field. Participants were encouraged to strengthen their skills in collecting evidence, understanding reporting SOPs, and submitting suspected violations.

Head of MMAF PSDK Working Team, Rahmatia, delivering remarks at the Capacity Building Program on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas. Sorong, 6 November 2025

Adipati Rahmat, Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, highlighted the major challenges in fisheries surveillance across Indonesia, including vast geographical coverage, limited facilities and infrastructure, insufficient monitoring personnel, and financial constraints. He stated that surveillance cannot be conducted solely by the government, and communities must therefore play an active role in the process.

Project Manager of GEF-6 CFI Indonesia, Adipati Rahmat, delivering remarks at the Capacity Building Program on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas. Sorong, 6 November 2025

Strengthening Strategy for Pokmaswas 2025–2029

The training resulted in a strategic action plan to strengthen Pokmaswas in Fisheries Management Area (WPP) 717, Southwest Papua. The key strategies include:

1. Enhancing funding mechanisms: Engaging CSR programs, donor institutions, universities, and developing conservation-based alternative economic initiatives such as ecotourism and environmentally friendly aquaculture.
2. Improving monitoring and reporting systems: Developing surveillance SOPs, mapping IUU fishing hotspots, and building the capacity of Pokmaswas personnel.
3. Supporting law enforcement efforts: Training on evidence handling, violation documentation, and conflict mitigation between fishers and authorities.
4. Modernizing reporting and communication systems: Developing digital dashboards, online reporting mechanisms, and application-based emergency communication channels.
5. Strengthening education and local wisdom: Integrating customary regulations such as sea sasi into village policies, raising awareness on the role of Pokmaswas, and disseminating information to fishers and coastal communities.

Participants and resource persons of the Capacity Building Program on Small-Scale Fisheries Management for Pokmaswas discussed the surveillance action plan in WPP 717, particularly in Southwest Papua Province. Sorong, 6-8 November 2025

Cross-Sector Synergy for Better Ocean Protection

The three-day training demonstrated that small-scale fisheries management requires strong collaboration between government, communities, educational institutions, NGOs, and international partners. Community capacity is a key foundation for keeping the ocean productive and healthy. With consistent support, Southwest Papua is expected to become a model for ecosystem-based fisheries management that can be replicated across Indonesia, while ensuring sustainable coastal livelihoods.