Direktur MDPI membuka Acara

Embracing 2025 with Commitment, MDPI Hosts a Virtual Kickoff for All Staff

by Muhammad Alzaki Tristi

MDPI kickstarted 2025 through a townhall meeting with all staff from its eight provincial work areas (Tuesday, 1/21). MDPI Director Yasmine “Jaz” Simbolon opened the townhall with an optimistic lookout towards the future.

The year 2024 had been a journey of challenges, processes, and growth. Jaz initiated the internalization session with a reflective question for all staff: “What was our greatest achievement in 2024?” This question sparked positive discussions among staff from MDPI’s various work areas.

Representatives from each site shared their remarkable achievements throughout 2024. For example, a staff member in Bone, South Sulawesi, reported that fishers had begun avoiding the practice of catching juvenile fish and reducing their reliance on fish aggregating devices (FADs).

In Karangasem, Bali, staff noted progress in assisting fishers with accessing subsidized fuel. In Minaesa, North Sulawesi, staff highlighted successful budget allocations from the government to support tourism villages, resulting from MDPI’s facilitation in fishing communities. Meanwhile, in Gorontalo, the implementation of small-scale e-PAS systems for fishers was successfully carried out.

Read also: Five Challenges Small-Scale Fishers Face That You Should Know About

Last year was also a milestone when MDPI opened collaboration with regional government agencies such as BAPPEDA and DKP. The collaborations have expanded the impact of MDPI’s programs. This included resolving fish price issues in Central Maluku, Maluku.

foto bersama virtual via zoom
Group photo of the townhall with all MDPI staff.

On behalf of MDPI’s management, Jaz thanked the staff for their hard work. MDPI recorded several significant milestones in 2024, including benefiting 1,115 coastal communities through various programs and providing support to 42 fishing villages within its work areas. Additionally, MDPI collected 2,231 fishing trip data sets to support collaboration with the government.

Among fishers, the number of impacted coastal communities across Eastern Indonesia proves no disappointment. Approximately 2,622 coastal community members, including 435 women, were supported through various empowerment initiatives. This also includes 20 fisher-owned businesses to strengthen their economic resilience.

Read also: Creating Waves of Impact with USAID Ber-IKAN

Jaz wrapped the townhall with an inspiring message to MDPI staff, encouraging them to continue moving forward. “We have worked hard throughout 2024. Let’s continue our work beyond our comfort zone. Let’s wisely reflect on the future, make adjustments, and seek solutions for improvement. Stay focused on our goals,” Jaz stated.

Wrapping up the session, Jaz reinstated the team’s commitment to continue the hard work. “Let’s work together to ensure the sustainability of fisheries, with a primary focus on the small-scale fishers we support.”

MDPI reaffirmed its commitment to moving forward into 2025 with dedication to promoting sustainable fisheries. We look forward to improving the welfare of small-scale fishers in Indonesia.