cfi-indonesia.id. Amid vast marine waters that dominate its territory, Maluku Province presents a striking paradox: abundant marine resources, yet high vulnerability to destructive fishing practices. According to Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2018 on Zoning Plan for Coastal Zone and Small Islands (2018–2038), Maluku’s administrative area spans 712,479.65 km², of which approximately 92.4 percent is sea and only 7.6 percent is land. This composition underscores the ocean’s central role in sustaining the province’s socio-economic systems.

Maluku DKP, with support from the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant programme, carried out the Socialization of the Destructive Fishing Prevention Policy as an implementation of Maluku Governor Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on the Strategy for Monitoring and Combating Destructive Fishing Practices.

Referring to Ministerial Decree No. 19 of 2022, the estimated fisheries potential across three Fisheries Management Areas of the Republic of Indonesia (WPPNRI) covering Maluku reaches 4,386,836 tonnes annually. This represents 36.52 percent of Indonesia’s total national fisheries potential of 12,011,125 tonnes per year, positioning Maluku as a key contributor to national food security and fisheries sector development.

Despite this significant potential, destructive fishing remains a critical threat. These practices—such as the use of explosives, toxic substances like potassium cyanide, and electric currents—cause severe damage to coral reefs, which serve as primary fish habitats, and result in the indiscriminate killing of marine organisms. Furthermore, such methods pose serious risks of injury or death to the perpetrators themselves.

Historically, destructive fishing became widespread during the 1990s through the early 2000s, particularly in the aftermath of social conflict when monitoring systems weakened and access to materials became easier. Destructive techniques introduced from outside the region subsequently spread and evolved into a complex structural challenge.

In response, the Maluku Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP), supported by the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant, organized the Socialization of the Destructive Fishing Prevention Policy. This activity constitutes part of the implementation of Maluku Governor Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on Strategies for Monitoring and Combating Destructive Fishing Practices.

The meeting on Socialization of the Destructive Fishing Prevention Policy, as part of the implementation of Maluku Governor Regulation No. 22 of 2023, was conducted by the Maluku DKP with support from the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant programme in Bula, Eastern Seram Regency (25 June 2025).

The outreach activities were conducted on 19 June 2025 in Ohoi Ngilngof, Southeast Maluku Regency, and on 25 June 2025 in Bula, Eastern Seram Regency. A total of 55 participants attended, including fishers, customary leaders, religious leaders, business actors, and Community Supervisory Group (Pokmaswas).

In remarks delivered on behalf of the Head of DKP by Imran Sangadji, S.Pi., M.Si., it was emphasized that destructive fishing is not merely a legal violation but a serious threat to the sustainability of fishery resources and the future of coastal communities. Education and surveillance systems strengthening were highlighted as keys strategy to break the cycle of such practices.

Technical experts and law enforcement representatives contributed to the sessions. Fajar Surya Pratama, S.Pi., M.Si., from Tual PSDKP Base presented on identification methods, monitoring procedures, and sanction mechanisms related to destructive fishing. Robert P. Maryunus, S.Pi., M.Si., elaborated on impacts and reporting mechanisms for suspected violations. Meanwhile, First Inspector John Guntur Wenno of the Marine and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of Maluku Regional Police outlined the role of law enforcement in responding to community reports.

The discussion was conducted in an open and critical manner. Basri Kelanit, a representative of the Southeast Maluku community, exposed that some fishers continue to use explosives and potassium-based poisons. He questioned the effectiveness of existing sanctions, noting that they have yet to create a sufficient deterrent effect, and proposed the establishment of monitoring posts in his area. In response, authorities acknowledged existing limitations in resources and budget, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cross-agency coordination.

Health concerns also emerged during the discussion. Remi Sirken from Ohoi Evu Pokmaswas emphasized the risks associated with consuming fish caught through destructive fishing practices. According to assessments by the Marine and Fishery Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency, exposure to explosive materials or toxic substances may lead to acute poisoning, organ damage, and increased cancer risk.

From a business perspective, stakeholders such as Samsul of PT Abasi Samudra Mandiri expressed challenges in verifying the traceability of fish purchased in the market. Meanwhile, Helena Ohoiwutun from Ngilngof Pokmaswas called for increased patrols in areas vulnerable to coral reef destruction.

The series of activities underscores that efforts to combat destructive fishing cannot rely solely on regulatory measures. Effective action requires multi-stakeholder collaboration—bringing together government institutions, law enforcers, Pokmaswas groups, local leaders, and private sector actors—to build a robust monitoring and control system from the provincial to the village level.

If education, law enforcement, and community participation can be advanced in parallel, the seas of Maluku will not only remain productive today but will also be sustainably managed for future generations.