Between MDPI, Dreams, and Hopes of Indonesian Fisheries

_{by Maulana Diaurrahman}

Kore, MDPI – My name is Maulana Diaurrahman and I am a first-semester student majoring in Fisheries at Mataram University. Recently, I participated in an Internship Program at the Masyarakat Dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI) Foundation. For my internship, I chose to work at the MDPI Foundation in Kore Village, Sanggar District, Bima Regency. The duration of my internship was from December 20, 2023, to January 22, 2024. I felt proud to be a part of the MDPI Foundation as an intern. I paid close attention to all the information conveyed through MDPI’s official media and channels, such as social media and websites, which helped me to apply the theories I had learned in my studies.

Interning with MDPI has been a truly enriching experience for me. During my time there, I had the opportunity to interact with fishermen and gain a better understanding of their lives. This experience allowed me to learn more about the typical coastal community life, from the fluctuating fish prices to the various challenges faced by fishermen. For instance, financial problems are a common issue that fishermen encounter, which often require extra strategies in terms of family financial management. In addition, they often need to consider additional livelihoods to support their families during unfriendly sea seasons. These notes that I have taken have become a valuable reflection for me to better understand the current holistic conditions of Indonesian coastal communities.

During my internship at MDPI, I conducted an activity involving the collection of fish data. The activity mainly focused on gathering information and data on the length and weight of Tuna species, such as Yellowfin Tuna and Skipjack Tuna. I also collected data on trip details, including the duration of days spent at sea, fuel expenses incurred during the trip, the amount of ice carried during the trip, efficient fishing locations, bait sources, types of bait used, and any other relevant information for research data needs.

During my internship, I not only collected sampling data but also had the opportunity to observe the installation of “Spotrace” technology. This technology tracks and monitors the movement of fishing boats during their fishing activities at sea. MDPI stays up-to-date with the latest technology and innovation by updating technological systems that facilitate data counting and collection activities. They utilize a mobile application called “Ifish Apps,” which can be downloaded through smartphones, to collect data.

During my internship, I acquired a great deal of new knowledge and experience. I was able to observe and participate in MDPI’s routine activities that involved collecting sampling data. Furthermore, there were several initiatives aimed at the Coastal Community, particularly Tuna fishermen. These initiatives were the result of collaboration among stakeholders such as the government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and coastal communities.

Technical guidance sessions (known as bimtek) were conducted on board fishing vessels to provide education to fishermen on Fish Handling Skills Certification (SKPI) and Fish Handling Technique Certification (SCPIB). The primary objective of these sessions was to teach fishermen how to maintain and preserve the quality of their catch, which in turn increases their chances of getting higher prices. Additionally, certificates obtained from these sessions are also mandatory for exporting fish catches.

During my visit, I attended technical sessions on SKPI and SCPIB, where I gained valuable knowledge. Moreover, I participated in a workshop conducted by MDPI in collaboration with various stakeholders in Kramat Village and Malaju Village, Kilo District, Dompu Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. The workshop focused on the legality of fishing fleets owned by local fishermen. I learned that a vessel can be considered legal if it has a Small Craft Certificate and a Fishing Vessel Identification, specifically for vessels less than 5 GT.

The authorities responsible for issuing Small Craft Certificates are the Harbor Master’s Office (KSOP) or the Port Administration Office (KUPP). In this instance, MDPI worked together with KSOP Class IV Bima to facilitate the process. To obtain Small Craft Certificates, fishermen must fulfill several requirements, including a Letter of Application for Vessel Measurement, Proof of Ownership Letter, Craftsman Certificate, Owner’s ID, Craftsman’s ID, and a photo of the fleet of vessels for which the Small Craft Certificate is being issued.

As part of the MDPI workshop, a total of 22 Handline Tuna fleet vessels in the Kilo District were facilitated in this process.

There have been intriguing rumors circulating within the fishing community about MDPI. Initially, when MDPI first arrived in Kore, the fishermen believed that the organization was just like all the other NGOs that came for surveys and note-taking, promising vague programs but ultimately disappearing. However, their perception of MDPI has since changed completely. According to one fisherman’s testimony, over the past two years, MDPI has provided real work for the fishing community, such as legalizing fleet vessels (E-Small Craft Certificates and TDKP), which they had never thought of obtaining before and did not know how to handle administratively. Thanks to MDPI’s support, they have been able to obtain these certificates and now feel proud that their fleet of vessels no longer has to hide during fishing activities. Additionally, there are training activities for Fishermen Skills Certification (SKN), among other opportunities.

MDPI continually supports fishermen and gives them a chance to participate in meetings. One fisherman who attended an MDPI event revealed that he had never imagined that being a fisherman could involve sleeping and dining in luxurious air-conditioned hotels and meeting officials specializing in fisheries.

For me, getting the opportunity to live and mingle with coastal communities is something special and very memorable. Through this writing, I want to convey that the fish we consume daily undergo a complex process. But behind that, there are always smiling fishermen who continue to strive, whether they bring back their catch on that day or not.