Indonesia and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable tuna fisheries management through a bilateral meeting between Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in Malé, Maldives, on 13 May 2026.

The meeting marked a strategic step by both countries to strengthen tuna resource governance across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly through collaboration opportunities under the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-9 International Waters programme. The initiative is intended to support sustainable tuna management within the framework of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

The bilateral meeting between Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was held on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in Malé, Maldives, on 13 May 2026.

Syahril Abd Raup, Director of Fish Resource Management at MMAF, emphasised that Indonesia and the Philippines occupy strategic positions as maritime nations that share marine resources and face similar challenges in maintaining the sustainability of tuna stocks.

He regards tuna as a strategic commodity that not only has high economic value but also supports the livelihoods of millions of coastal communities in both countries. Therefore, tuna fisheries management must be pursued collaboratively through a sustainability-oriented approach.

“Indonesia and the Philippines not only share the same marine resources, but also a common responsibility to ensure the sustainability of tuna fisheries for communities, national economies, and future generations,” said Syahril.

He explained that the highly migratory nature of tuna species means that it cannot be effectively managed by individual countries acting alone. Strong regional coordination, enhanced compliance with Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) measures, and strengthened monitoring and enforcement against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing are essential, as these practices continue to pose serious threats to the sustainability of global fishery resources.

In addition, climate change is increasingly affecting tuna migration patterns and fisheries productivity across the region. Consequently, international cooperation has become even more critical to ensuring adaptive and science-based fisheries management policies.

Representing the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, Senior Advisor for Fisher Protection and Fisheries Governance Mohammad Abdi Suhufan stated that the collaboration between Indonesia and the Philippines is expected to strengthen both countries’ positions in regional and international fisheries management forums.

According to Abdi, the partnership is also aligned with efforts to enhance regional food security, given that tuna remains one of the primary sources of animal protein for communities throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

“This collaboration is expected to make a tangible contribution to sustainable tuna fisheries management, improved compliance with RFMO conservation measures, and strengthened regional food security,” Abdi said.

GEF6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager Adipati Rahmat presented Knowledge Management products and Champion products developed under the GEF6 CFI Indonesia programme to Jennifer Viron, Chief of Aquatic Wildlife Regulations at BFAR Philippines, on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in Malé, Maldives, on 13 May 2026.

On the same occasion, GEF6 CFI Indonesia Project Manager Adipati Rahmat explained that the new initiative builds upon the positive collaboration previously established through the GEF6 Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia project, implemented jointly by MMAF and WWF-US in its capacity as the GEF Agency.

The GEF6 CFI Indonesia Project, which is due to conclude in 2026, has been recognized for generating valuable lessons on ecosystem-based fisheries management, strengthened governance, and enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration to support the sustainable management of marine resources.

“The collaboration established through the GEF6 CFI Indonesia Project has delivered valuable lessons and positive outcomes. We therefore see the importance of continuing this collaborative approach through a new initiative focused on sustainable tuna management,” said Adipati.

He further explained that Indonesia has submitted a draft concept note to the Philippines’ BFAR for further review. The document will subsequently be aligned with the priorities of both countries and will be based on the GEF-9 International Waters funding guidelines.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Viron, Chief of Aquatic Wildlife Regulations at BFAR Philippines, welcomed the proposed collaboration. According to her, the partnership between Indonesia and the Philippines holds strategic value in strengthening the position of developing countries within RFMO forums, particularly in advancing fisheries governance that is equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the interests of coastal states.

“We hope this meeting will serve as the first step toward a practical and effective long-term partnership in support of sustainable tuna fisheries governance,” Jennifer stated.

During the bilateral discussions, both parties also addressed a number of shared priority issues, including conservation-based tuna management, strengthened policy coordination under the WCPFC, sustainable fishing strategies, juvenile tuna management, tackling IUU fishing, and the impacts of climate change on fisheries resources.

Both countries agreed that future fisheries management challenges will require a more integrated transboundary approach, including in scientific research, data sharing, fisheries monitoring, and institutional capacity development.

As a follow-up to the meeting, Indonesia’s MMAF will submit an official letter along with a draft cooperation proposal to the Philippines’ BFAR. Technical discussions will then continue through virtual meetings to develop the scope of cooperation, project governance arrangements, and joint financing mechanisms.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines to support the sustainability of tuna stocks, enhance the resilience of fishing communities, and reinforce regional and international fisheries governance for a more sustainable future.