The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), through the Directorate of PSDI of DJPT, convened the Annual Meeting of Fisheries Management Units (UPP) for WPPNRI 716, 717, and 718 on October 27–31, 2025 at Sam Ratulangi University (Unsrat) in Manado. Supported by the GEF 6 CFI Indonesia grant program, the event served as a strategic platform to strengthen fisheries management based on scientific evidence, quota systems, and sustainability principles. A total of 120 participants from central and regional governments, Bappenas, academia, and researchers attended to enhance policy coordination and synchronization.

Opening session of the Annual UPP Meeting for WPPNRI 716, 717, and 718. Manado, 28 October 2025

Scientific Forum for Evidence-Based Policy

The Annual Meeting of UPP provides a key coordination platform for UPPs in WPP 716, 717, and 718. Participants discussed the findings of each region’s Scientific Panel, formulated policy recommendations, and reviewed management achievements for the current year. The forum also assessed the Action Plan for RPP as well as the 2026 Work and Budget Plan.

Through technical discussions, UPPs reviewed research results, fish stock data, utilization trends, and socio-economic dynamics of coastal communities. This evidence-based management approach provides a robust foundation to ensure that fisheries policies in Indonesia become increasingly adaptive, accurate, and sustainable. The forum affirmed that modern fisheries governance requires strong interdisciplinary and interregional synergy.

The Annual UPP Meeting for WPPNRI 716, 717, and 718 was convened in Manado. 27–31 October 2025

Academic Commitment to the Blue Economy

Unsrat Vice Rector, Prof. Roike Iwan Motolalu, emphasized the importance of this forum in strengthening collaboration among government, universities, and other stakeholders. He reiterated Unsrat’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Measured Fishing (PIT) policy and improving fisher welfare. As a region rich in biodiversity yet vulnerable to exploitation, Eastern Indonesia requires strengthened research and more focused and sustainable fisheries management.

The Vice Rector of Sam Ratulangi University, Prof. Dr. Roike Iwan Motolalu, S.Pi., M.Sc., delivered the opening remarks at the Annual UPP Meeting for WPPNRI 716, 717, and 718. Manado, 28 October 2025

Strengthening the Role of UPP as Regional Management Authorities

Director of PSDI, Syahril Abd. Raup, stressed that the Annual UPP Meeting serves as a momentum to reinforce regional-based fisheries governance. UPPs are responsible for developing management plans, establishing catch quotas, and formulating technical recommendations for each WPP. The process involves broad stakeholder participation to ensure that decisions are inclusive and effectively implementable on the field.

UPPs also hold a key role in PIT implementation—from data collection and quota allocation to distributing quota for local fishers. The forum reflects strong cross-sector collaboration to advance equitable and sustainable fisheries governance.

National Policy Direction and PIT Challenges

The meeting was officially opened by the Secretary of DJPT, Ridwan Mulayan, who highlighted the contribution of DJPT to the Asta Cita 2025–2029 agenda, particularly strengthening food security through quota-based PIT. He underlined that many countries have implemented quota systems earlier, and Indonesia must seize this governance reform momentum seriously.

Ridwan Mulayan, Secretary of the Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, delivered the opening remarks and officially inaugurated the Annual UPP Meeting for WPPNRI 716, 717, and 718. Manado, 28 October 2025

PIT is designed to maximize economic and ecological benefits sustainably. However, its implementation faces challenges such as an inequitable revenue-sharing mechanism (DBH), fishing grounds restrictions, mandatory VMS installation, and transshipment issues. Ridwan expressed hope that the forum would yield transparent, fair, and fisher-oriented policy recommendations.

Strengthening LPPs of WPP as Centers of Decision Making

Through the Fisheries Management Institutions (LPP) at the WPP level, PIT policies are expected to be implemented more effectively. LPPs function as centers for quota deliberation, scientific reference, and coordination between national and regional governments. With data-driven governance, each WPP is expected to sustain fish stocks while improving the welfare of coastal communities.