The Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), continues to strengthen the foundation of sustainable fisheries management through the finalization of the Competency Map for the Draft Indonesian National Work Competency Standard (RSKKNI) on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Marine Waters. This initiative represents an important step in preparing adaptive and professional human resources in the marine and fisheries sector, equipped to address future challenges in ocean management. (Bogor, 11–12 May 2026)

The Finalization of the Competency Map for the RSKKNI on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Marine Waters was facilitated through the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant programme and held in Bogor from 11 to 12 June 2026.

The finalization process, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, academia, professional associations, certification bodies, NGOs, and development partners, was supported by the GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia programme. The forum served as a strategic platform to harmonize the competency framework that will form the basis for developing the Indonesian National Work Competency Standards (SKKNI) for ecosystem-based fisheries management.

The development of the SKKNI refers to Regulation of the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia No. 3 of 2016 concerning Procedures for Establishing Indonesian National Work Competency Standards. The regulation defines SKKNI as a formulation of occupational competencies encompassing knowledge, skills, expertise, and professional work attitudes required for specific duties and positions.

In the context of modern fisheries management, competency standards have become increasingly essential. The management of marine resources is no longer focused solely on increasing fish production; it must also consider ecosystem sustainability, habitat integrity, and the socio-economic aspects of coastal communities.

Wahyu Jati Purnaningsih, representative of the MMAF Center for Standardization and Certification of Marine and Fisheries Human Resources, emphasised that finalizing the competency map is a critical step prior to the comprehensive development of competency standards.

“The competency map serves as the foundation for developing a competency standard. Once the competency map has been properly established, it will facilitate the drafting team in formulating occupational competency standards, particularly in ecosystem-based fisheries management in marine waters,” he said.

According to Wahyu, competency standards cannot be developed through a sectoral approach alone. Existing regulations require the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including business and industrial sectors, academia, government institutions, and civil society organizations that work closely with coastal communities and fisheries stakeholders.

He noted that this approach represents an important breakthrough in strengthening the effectiveness of human resource development in the fisheries sector. To date, many regulatory instruments and management systems have lacked a common competency reference, resulting in implementation challenges and suboptimal outcomes in the field.

“With clear competency standards in place, human resource requirements in the field can be assessed more accurately. This is essential to ensure that fisheries governance is guided by a clear direction,” he said.

Discussion of the Competency Map for the RSKKNI on Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Marine Waters, facilitated through the GEF-6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia grant programme, Bogor, 11–12 June 2026.

At the finalization meeting, the drafting team agreed on the main objective of the competency map: “Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management for Marine Sustainability.” This objective was subsequently translated into a number of more operational key functions.

The four principal functions identified include the development of fisheries management plans, ecosystem-based utilization of fisheries resources, conservation of marine ecosystems, and evaluation of fisheries management using an ecosystem approach.

The team also streamlined several foundational functions that had previously been separated into ecological, habitat, fishery resource, fishing technology, socio-economic, and institutional domains. This revised approach was considered more effective as it produces a competency structure that is more generic, streamlined, and easier to implement.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between indicators and standards within fisheries management systems. Participants agreed that indicators represent measurable variables, while standards or benchmarks serve as references for assessing conditions and determining the severity of fisheries management issues.

Muhammad Fedi Alfiadi Sondita, Chair of the drafting team, led the discussion on the Competency Map for the RSKKNI on Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management in Marine Waters, facilitated through the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant programme, Bogor, 11–12 June 2026.

Muhammad Fedi Alfiadi Sondita, a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of IPB University, emphasised the utmost importance of SKKNI in supporting the strengthened national fisheries across Indonesia’s 11 Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs).

“SKKNI are critically important, not only for building the capacity of government officials and fisheries officers, but also for communities directly involved in fisheries management,” he said.

According to Fedi, the development of the competency map is the most critical stage of the process, as it forms the foundation for the competency units that will subsequently be used in education, training, and professional certification within the fisheries sector.

He further noted that the successful development of competency standards must be followed by concrete implementation measures. These include the development of education and training curricula, preparation of competency assessment materials, and the establishment of qualified competency assessors.

“If these needs can be addressed through instruments such as the SKKNI, we will have a strong foundation for moving forward,” he added.

Support from GEF-6 CFI Indonesia in the development of the RSKKNI was also viewed positively. The programme as having the potential to strengthen regulatory frameworks while accelerating human resource capacity development in ecosystem-based capture fisheries.

Fedi noted that the implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Indonesia has long required stronger competency standards. As such, the development of the RSKKNI is considered both timely and highly relevant to the current needs of the national fisheries sector.

Meanwhile, Wahyu Jati expressed hope that the competency map finalization would be followed by the development of the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) for the marine and fisheries sector. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the competency standards can be effectively integrated into the national human resource development system.

“Fisheries management is not solely about the utilization of fishery resources. It is also about establishing sustainable governance systems and safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations,” he concluded.

PMU GEF-6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager, Adipati Rahmat, also welcomed the finalization of the RSKKNI. He noted that GEF-6 CFI Indonesia fully supports the development of competency standards, which are considered strategic for strengthening both the concept and implementation of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Indonesia.

He emphasised that the development of the RSKKNI constitutes an important component of efforts to strengthen sustainable fisheries governance while enhancing human resource capacity within the marine and fisheries sector.

“We have supported the development of this RSKKNI from the outset and hope that all remaining stages can be completed as scheduled. GEF-6 CFI Indonesia will continue to support this process as one of the project’s key outputs in advancing the ecosystem-based fisheries management,” Adipati affirmed.